GLOSSY BLACK COCKATOO PLANTING ON MACLEAY SUCCESS

The vulnerable Glossy Black Cockatoo has another feeding spot on the islands, thanks to the recent 15th annual planting.

The area selected in this 15th year of island plantings was Rainbow Avenue, Macleay Island.

A call went out to all bird lovers and a ‘tribe’ of islanders and mainlanders turned up for the planting, run by Redlands IndigiScapes Centre and sponsored by Redland City Council.

Around 50 people turned up for the planting on a site that had been pre-prepared by Redland City Council workers.

Not only were islanders there to assist with the planting, but also a number of visitors from the mainland, who really enjoyed their ‘island experience’.

Planting holes and mulch had already been applied to the very appropriate site in Rainbow Avenue.

All that was then needed were the plants and the many hands to do the planting.

The Glossy Black Cockatoo’s sole source of food is the seed of the she-oak trees and 600 native seedlings were made available for the purpose by Redland City Council.

A team from the IndigiScapes Centre was also on hand to provide assistance with the plants, tools, gloves and refreshments.

Recent rains also aided the planting process.

Also attending and giving a hand was Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards.

The councillor praised the planting program stating that: “The islands are at the forefront in the fight to help the beautiful Glossy Black Cockatoo.

“Areas like these are growing throughout the Redlands, but the islands are in a position to be a very valuable sanctuary indeed,” Cr Edwards said.

• The group of helpers ready for the planting in Rainbow Avenue