Celebrate the beauty and diversity of the Moreton Bay region at The University of Queensland’s Moreton Bay Research Station’s UQ REEF FEST 2008 on Saturday, November 22.
The event will provide an insight into the rich diversity of the coral reefs that surround North Stradbroke Island.
It will be held from 10am-4pm, as part of the Dunwich wide “Celebration of the Sea”, which includes the famous Stradbroke Island Oyster Festival held at the Little Ships Club, Yabby Street, Dunwich. There will also be Dunwich Museum and Art Gallery tours as well as open-air markets on Fraser Street, beside the research station.
Manager of Research and Education at the Moreton Bay Research Station Dr Kathy Townsend said 2008 had been declared International Year of the Reef.
"UQ Reef Fest 2008 is about raising awareness of the beauty, value and importance of coral reefs," she said.
"Maintaining the health of coral reefs is important as they provide crucial habitat, income, food and medicine."
UQ REEF FEST 2008 will be a very casual, family orientated affair, with a wide variety of marine-related activities for people of all ages, including a live reptile show by Cool Companions, coral exhibits and displays of other marine specimens on loan from the Queensland Museum.
"UQ REEF FEST is a good opportunity for people to see what is located right on their front door step," Dr Townsend said.
"Dolphins, sea turtles, dugong, fish, whales and over 140 species of coral are all found in Moreton Bay marine park. The diversity is surprisingly high considering how close we are to one of the fastest growing cities in Australia."
The day will also include a marine touch tank and aquarium displays while the ever popular "Marine Mystery Animal Quiz" will test people’s knowledge with prize packs available for the winners.
Straddie Youth Link is organising craft activities for the kids and is asking for children to collect beach rubbish to use in the making of a dream catcher for the station - symbolic of hopes and dreams for the bay.
The day of art is part of a larger Artist in Residence project developing public art displays for the research station. This phase is a partnership sponsored by The Regional Arts Development Fund, a Queensland Government and Redland City Council partnership to support local arts and culture.
Dr Townsend said with talks being presented by recognised scientific experts, the event would give members of the community an opportunity to find out about the extensive research being carried out in the Moreton Bay area.
UQ REEF FEST 2008 will be held at the Moreton Bay Research Station, at the corner of Flinders Avenue and Fraser Street, Dunwich, North Stradbroke Island. Entry is free and children must be accompanied by an adult.
How to get there?
Stradbroke Ferries and Sea Stradbroke will offer a concessional rate for adults and children to walk onto their Vehicle Ferries with the added benefit of enjoying the Marine Park from the viewing decks and platforms. Adult Return: $5.50; Child Return: $3. The fast Gold Cat Flyer offers Family Return tickets for $50 and various group deals.
Catch the ferry or water taxi from Toondah Harbour, Cleveland to Dunwich, North Stradbroke Island, followed by a 5 minute walk along the shore to MBRS. All of the Celebration of the Sea activities are within short strolling distance from one another however there will also be a free hop-on hop-off bus service sponsored by the Aboriginal Housing Co-op which will be stopping at several points of interest, including both ferry and water taxi terminals.
For further information, contact Moreton Bay Research Station (telephone 07 3409 9058, email: mbrs@uq.edu.au or web site www.cms.uq.edu.au/mbrs).
