Fish and bird surveys to be undertaken at Lake Apex and Lake Freeman

Council has commissioned survey work to be undertaken across Lake Apex and Lake Freeman to better understand the type of fish and bird species currently occupying the area.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council’s Environment Portfolio Councillor Michael Hagan said the survey is vital to inform the future of the precinct.

“We have gone from periods of prolonged drought to significant floods and the water level in the lakes has continued to fluctuate,” he said.

“There have been continued calls for Council to desilt the lakes, however before any potential works are even contemplated, we need to better understand what exists in and around the precinct to then understand what approvals may be necessary.

“We know that since their original construction in 1977, the form and function of the lake systems have changed and whilst the environmental significance has increased, so has the precinct’s use as a valuable regional asset for residents and visitors to enjoy.”

Home to many flora and fauna, the up-to-date survey of the precinct will be used to complement other detailed work completed over the years, in different seasons and at different times.

Range Environmental, together with specialist fish contractor Hydrobiology, have been commissioned to undertake preliminary survey work within and around the lake commencing 26 June to 1 July, weather permitting.

Council has liaised with Lake Apex Community Advisory Committee (LACAC) on the survey works and looks forward to presenting the findings to the Committee and more broadly to the community once the survey work is completed.

LACAC Chair, Councillor Janice Holstein said residents and visitors may notice fyke nets in the water during this time, which is an effective, non-lethal survey technique used for many fish and other aquatic fauna.

“All hydrobiology surveys in Queensland operate under permits as issued by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, ethics approval from the DAF Ethics Committee and research permit for listed threatened species,” she said.

“A bird occurrence survey will also be conducted on-site. The survey will not disturb birds and will be based on observations and recording of observed species from the hides and other vantage points.”

For further information, contact Council on 1300 005 872.