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The 1996 establishment of Nelly Bay Habitat Reserve, (an area of open and monsoon woodland and littoral and beach scrub straddling Nelly Bay Road between Magnetic Island Kindergarten and the old helipad), arose largely out of a desire by local residents to protect important bird habitat – particularly that of the Bush Stone Curlew (Burhinus grallarius) and the Pied Imperial Pigeon (Ducula bicolor). The area includes an ephemeral creek and associated freshwater pool.
Appreciating the fact that the area of the habitat was only one of many sites on Magnetic Island that would benefit from protection (especially in the light of increasing pressure for urban development), Magnetic Island residents decided that the time was right to establish an organisation that would work to protect and care for the Island's precious but fragile environment – and so was born Magnetic Island Nature Care Association. |
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 Gethin and Charlie make short work of a lantana, while Marie (right) adds a touch a colour to a regular weeding event (Photos: Wendy Tubman) |
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 A quiet spot to sit and appreciate the environment in the Reserve |
NELLY BAY HABITAT INTERPRETIVE FACILITIES
Soon after its establishment, a number of interpretive panels, painted by Island artists Gavin Ryan and Vonnie van Bemmel, were placed at the Reserve. On the panel depicted at right is a Pied Imperial Pigeon (Ducula bicolour), a large, fast-flying white pigeon with black wing tips and tail.
The gregarious fruit-eating birds spend winter in the rainforests of Papua New Guinea. In September, they fly south to Australia’s tropical coast and offshore islands such as Magnetic Island, to breed. Formerly known as Torres Strait Pigeons, they are most easily seen in flight or by tracing their call, a loud deep 'coo woo' usually heard in the early morning or late afternoon. The parents and offspring migrate to Papua New Guinea in April.
The panels depict a range of Island wildlife and snippets on traditional cultural issues, providing a wealth of relevant environmental and historic information.
The gregarious fruit-eating birds spend winter in the rainforests of Papua New Guinea. In September, they fly south to Australia’s tropical coast and offshore islands such as Magnetic Island, to breed. Formerly known as Torres Strait Pigeons, they are most easily seen in flight or by tracing their call, a loud deep 'coo woo' usually heard in the early morning or late afternoon. The parents and offspring migrate to Papua New Guinea in April.
The panels depict a range of Island wildlife and snippets on traditional cultural issues, providing a wealth of relevant environmental and historic information.
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The Interpretive Facilities have become an important stopping place for visitors wanting to learn more about the flora and fauna of Magnetic Island. It is easily accessible from Nelly Bay Road, near the old helipad, and on the way to Picnic Bay.
With the original artwork showcasing the distinctive flora, fauna and landscapes of Magnetic Island you can find more information about the artwork and the Reserve at State of Environment Townsville. |
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RESERVE MANAGEMENT
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Nelly Bay Habitat Reserve is managed under an agreement between MINCA and TCC, and is the site of regular weeding and maintenance activities by MINCA members.
The aim is to:
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THE PETER LE GRAND MEMORIAL
Tucked away in a quiet corner of the Nelly Bay Habitat Reserve is a memorial to founder member of MINCA, Peter le Grand, who died in 2009.
At the gathering to remember Peter, MINCA planted a hoop pine and unveiled a plaque embedded in a rock. The octagonal plaque reflects Peter's fascination with the shape, which he incorporated into much of his unique woodcrafting - from tables and planters to the house which he built at Horseshoe Bay.
At the gathering to remember Peter, MINCA planted a hoop pine and unveiled a plaque embedded in a rock. The octagonal plaque reflects Peter's fascination with the shape, which he incorporated into much of his unique woodcrafting - from tables and planters to the house which he built at Horseshoe Bay.
