Eagles nests safe and secure

Ergon Energy’s Mossman depot crews have been doing everything in their power to ensure the safety and preservation of three Osprey nests atop power poles in the area.

Minister for Mines and Energy Geoff Wilson said the birds had taken a likening to power poles near Thala Beach Lodge at Oak Beach and near a prawn farm between Port Douglas and Mossman.

“Ergon Energy crews have worked to relocate powerlines lower on the existing poles so the birds nests are not disturbed,” Mr Wilson said.

“The last thing we would want to see is these impressive birds of prey being disrupted.

“Large birds nests like these have the potential to cause power outages so it is important to look at ways to minimise this likelihood,” he said.

Member for Cook Jason O’Brien commended the local Ergon Energy crews for taking the initiative to look after native wildlife.

“Ergon Energy live-line crews worked to reconfigure high voltage conductors to make sure they were as far from the nests as possible,” Mr O’Brien said.

“The Osprey nest on the pole near the Thala Beach Lodge has become quite an attraction with tourists and locals alike.

“Last year, Ergon Energy had a similar case near Port Douglas involving a nesting White-Breasted Sea Eagle.

“In this case, crossarms were successfully rebuilt slightly lower on the power pole,” he said.

Ergon Energy Manager for Regional Services Geoff Bowes said Ergon Energy crews considered a number of options to avoid disturbing the birds’ breeding home.

Mr Bowes said the reconfiguration of bridging lines underneath cross arms on the poles was done using live line techniques, causing no power disruptions to customers in the area.

“It was a real ‘win-win’ situation for everyone. The Ospreys get to keep their preferred nesting sites and no one had power interrupted to achieve the preservation of the Osprey’s work,” Mr Bowes said.

Wires on a pole carrying a third osprey nest near Pretty Beach had not been reconfigured yet to avoid disturbing chicks already nesting there.

“We will monitor the Pretty Beach site and when the chicks have gone we will look at a similar solution if possible,” Mr Bowes said.

Wildlife, (including nesting birds), causes a significant number of power interruptions and damage to Ergon Energy’s network each year across regional Queensland. Where feasible, Ergon Energy reconfigures or redesigns equipment to avoid this interference.

Ospreys inhabit much of Australia’s coastline and can be found along rivers, estuaries and coastal headlands. They are often seen over waterways and plucking fish with their talons in low swooping dives.

Media inquiries: Minister’s Office Brooke Johnson (07) 3224 7332

Ergon Energy Mark Timmerman 0408 065 088