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Could Bribie’s much-loved coastal emus - and their woodland habitat - ever return?

Find a seat under the stars and listen to a panel of ecologists, conservationists, and land managers dream big for Bribie’s future. Together, we’ll explore how restoring Bribie’s native habitats could bring critical biodiversity back to the island’s interior.

Before large tracts of Bribie Island’s woodlands were cleared and planted with exotic pines for paper production in the early 1960s, the island teemed with coastal life—including the now locally extinct coastal emu.

Although Bribie’s last emu—affectionately known as “Eric”— was lost to a dog attack in 2015, the demise of species tells a bigger story of development and habitat loss over many decades.

Today, Bribie’s exotic pine plantations provide a renewable resource for southeast Queensland, helping meet timber demand in a rapidly growing region. But as each pine rotation is harvested, the community faces the question: should we simply replant pines to sustain the need for timber, or could areas be restored to native bushland, opening the door for species recovery and new cultural and nature-based opportunities over the coming decades?

What if Bribie’s woodlands could be systematically restored —delivering a natural asset that not only supports local wildlife, but also creates an enduring island sanctuary in the Southern Coastal Lowlands?

Step into a conversation of hope and imagination as our panel explores bold ideas and tackles tough questions around the rewilding of Yarun — considering a future for Bribie Island’s nature and community.

Drinks will be available to purchase from our volunteer-run bar, and we invite you to stay for a post-event function to continue the discussion.

This event is proudly supported by the City of Moreton Bay, and the Queensland Government - Engaging Science grant.