To focus expertise, wisdom and enthusiasm for the benefit of Moreton Bay
The Moreton Bay Foundation is a newly established philanthropic body, committed to connecting researchers, community enthusiasts, and government representatives, to preserve this national treasure for future generations.
Stretching from Caloundra to the Gold Coast, Moreton Bay is a unique jewel of biodiversity, cultural heritage, and aesthetic beauty. Now, its catchment areas are now at a crucial intersection, where commerce meets ecology.
Mr Rob Siganto, Chairman, The Moreton Bay Foundation, says: “Brisbane should be nicknamed the ‘Bay City’ rather than the ‘River City’. Moreton Bay and its catchment areas are some of Queensland’s most important coastal resources and underpin tourism, amateur and professional fisheries, and island and coastal development.”
Yet natural and man-made hazards are threatening the health of the Bay area. “We see an elevated amount of mud and sediment flowing into the Bay, from the Brisbane River system, largely due to seasonal floods and storms. This sediment decreases the quality of the water and impacts on all manner of marine and wildlife in and around the Bay area.
“We also see a significant loss of natural habitats for the many species of animals, birds, and marine life that call Moreton Bay home due to industrial and residential expansion in South East Queensland,” adds Mr Siganto.
The Moreton Bay Foundation was established to provide quality evidence-based research, scientific consultation, and representation for master planning. At the same time, the Foundation is focussed on building collaborative partnerships with the traditional custodians, and like-minded organisations who are driven to address critical issues for Moreton Bay.
The Foundation’s initial Community Consultation will be held on Friday 30 August at Brisbane’s City Hall and will provide a much-needed platform for the Bay community to share their ideas and concerns.
Mr Siganto continues, “While there is a wide range of research being conducted about various aspects of the Bay, it is not necessarily organised or easily available to like-minded organisations.
“The Foundation is in a unique position to connect local knowledge with empirical evidence and make it available to community and volunteer groups, universities, commercial agencies and government alike. We want to give people the tools to make informed decisions that will shape sustainable solutions for the Bay and its communities.”
“We are privileged to have this treasure in our backyard but we can’t afford to be complacent. Now is the time for community groups, scientific researchers, and government representatives to come together. Collectively, we can develop a master plan to actively preserve this delicate ecosystem and international treasure as a pristine natural resource for generations to come.”
Tickets are available for the free community consultation and the celebratory inaugural Moreton Bay Foundation Dinner online at www.moretonbayfoundation.org.
For more information on The Moreton Bay Foundation, please contact us here. Mr Rob Siganto is available for comment.
The Moreton Bay Foundation acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country in and around Moreton Bay, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. It pays respect to them and their cultures, and to Elders both past, present and emerging.
The Moreton Bay Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to connecting researchers, community enthusiasts, and advocates for the preservation of this national treasure. The Foundation strives to act as an independent facilitator, inspiring the broader community to champion the health of the Bay.
We achieve this by listening to and valuing all opinions while designing and supporting new and innovative environmental and cultural projects that encourage collaboration, promote the long-term health of the Bay and support livelihoods.
Visit www.moretonbayfoundation.org for more information on getting involved with the Foundation, to donate to ongoing research and community programs, and to get your tickets to the free community consultation and to the inaugural Moreton Bay Foundation dinner, both on 30 August 2019 at Brisbane City Hall.