Mass Bird die-off After Military Exercise in Queensland World Heritage Area

Hundreds, possibly thousands, of different species of birds and bats have died in the Byfield area of Queensland, adjacent to Shoalwater Bay military area, over the past week according to local residents.

Kim Stewart, a spokesperson for the Peace Convergence which protested the military exercises, said "there are numerous toxic chemicals being used by the US and Australian militaries on that site in a live firing area that drains into the local water catchment for Yeppoon. Chemicals like red and white phosophorus could have caused bird deaths."

According to one report the Queensland Environmental Protection Agency claims the mass die-off is a direct result of recent cold weather.

Kim Stewart replied "The local community has every right to be concerned when dead birds turn up in their backyards. Until tests are performed, the public should be skeptical about the 'cold death' theory."

"Where is the water testing promised by the local government? It is important to affirm the reason for these bird deaths." Stewart said.

Shoalwater Bay is the largest wilderness area on the central Queensland coast, a world heritage area abutting the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, containing Indigenous sites and Ramsar listed wetlands.

Related Stories:

• White Whale forces Military Retreat in US-Australian War Games Indybay.org June 28, 2007
• Dr. Helen Caldicott speaks at Shoalwater Bay protest, Australia Indybay.org July 8, 2007
• US Carrier Group visits Sydney fresh from War Games Sydney Indymedia July 11, 2007

Sources:

• Birds Die On Mass at Shoalwater Bay, Qld - Sydney Indymedia July 14, 2007
• Bird Deaths adjacent to Shoalwater Training Area - Media Release Peace Convergence July 11, 2007