Bribie Island’s Pine Plantation Harvest Sparks Calls for Land Restoration

Off the coast of Brisbane’s north, Bribie Island a 34-kilometer stretch famed for its pristine beaches and burgeoning community is undergoing a significant transformation. Once a quiet tourist and sea-change destination, the island’s rapid development has brought rising property values and a growing population. But beneath its beaches, shops, and golf courses lies a massive pine plantation covering nearly 20 percent of the island’s landmass.

For decades, this plantation has been a working forest, but now, after 25 years, the trees are finally set to be harvested starting this July. This harvest has ignited a fresh debate about the future of Bribie Island’s land and its ecological health.

Many locals are calling for a shift away from replanting introduced pine trees, urging instead for the restoration of native forests and parklands to “restore the heart” of the island. With the harvest scheduled to span the next decade, residents see this as a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity to rehabilitate the land before a new cycle of planting begins. “Bribie is really trying to step up and do what’s necessary to protect and conserve nature for future generations,” a community member said.

Environmental Concerns and Impact

According to BIEPA (Bribie Island Environmental Protection Agency), the plantation’s presence has caused several ecological issues:

• Feral Pigs: Poor control of invasive pigs has led to damage in native habitats.
• Herbicide Drift: Chemicals used on the plantation have been found to harm indigenous vegetation.
• Invasive Pines: Wildling pine trees are spreading into natural parklands, threatening native species.
• Pollution Risks: Fertilizer runoff raises concerns about pollution impacting the island’s ecosystems.
• Infrastructure Damage: Large logging trucks risk damaging the historic Bribie Island Bridge.

HQPlantations (HQP), the company responsible for the plantation, recently sent a letter to residents informing them about the upcoming harvest. Since the last harvest, the island’s population has increased by more than 50 percent raising concerns that many new residents might not even be aware that industrial forestry operates on Bribie Island.

As the harvest begins, community voices are growing louder, emphasizing the need to prioritize ecological restoration and protect the island’s natural beauty for generations to come.