Environment

Our region

Moreton Bay Region is renowned for its diverse natural environment which covers an area of approximately 2000 square kilometres to the north of Brisbane.

This region is included in what has been called the Macleay-Macpherson Overlap, where the Torresian and Bassian biological distributions come together. Plants and animals from sub-tropical areas occur here together with those from the temperate south.

From Bribie Island and the mainland coast to the mountains in the hinterlands, the region covers an array of habitats - sandy ocean beaches, mangroves, tidal creeks and rivers, marshlands, brackish and freshwater swamps and lagoons, grasslands, woodlands and forests.

Because of this variation, the range of native plants and animals living here is spectacular. The natural environment is not only animals and plants - it also includes landscapes, topography, geology, soil types and water. It’s the combination of all of these elements that gives our region its distinctive look and feel.

A changing landscape

Since European settlement, changes in land use and rapid urban development have permanently altered the distribution and abundance of native flora and fauna.  Surveying and subdivision of land has produced a complex crisscross pattern of roads, fences and pathways stitching together the modern mosaic of a vibrant and thriving community.

Urbanisation has caused many of our ecosystems to reduce, fragment, and in some cases, vanish. The diversity of  the remaining vegetation still makes the region one of the most biologically important in Australia. 

The challenge we now face is to ensure that what’s left is well managed and not lost.  Councils have the potential to make a significant contribution to nature conservation.

Local government is a key player in maintaining and enhancing biodiversity through good urban planning, smart natural area management, and by providing knowledge and support services to residents managing habitat on privately property.

What you can do

Some simple, yet highly effective actions to take care of our environment:

  • Plant locally occurring native plants & reduce weeds
  • Respect & support our unique natural wildlife
  • Join a bush care group or one of Council’s environment programs – Land for Wildlife, Wild Urban Backyards, Living Smart Homes
  • Be aware of green tips for your home
  • Understand how to manage your water consumption
  • Responsible waste disposal & recycling
  • Prepare your property for natural disasters
  • Understand the environmental aspects of Council’s planning and development policies