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Vulnerable Richmond Birdwing Butterfly colonies in the path of the high voltage powerlines are officially on borrowed time, with plans to move their precious habitat revealed in a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) now out for public consultation.

Dr Don Sands, President of the Richmond Birdwing Recovery Network, said he was shocked to hear that one of three options outlined to protect the butterflies was the ‘translocation’ of vegetation habitat – something which would in reality put entire colonies of the vulnerable butterfly species at risk.

“The relocation of local Richmond Butterfly Vines – the butterfly’s only food plant – spells death for local butterfly colonies,” Dr Sands said.

“I have been studying the species for almost 30 years and we have had no success to date in transplanting naturally growing vines more than five years old from one location to another.

“In this situation, Powerlink will almost certainly compromise any dependant and vulnerable Richmond Birdwing Butterfly colonies.”

Dr Sands said there was also the very serious issue of destroying butterfly pupae located in the canopy which is most vulnerable to land clearing and tree-lopping practices. In cases like this, the destruction of habitat can cause extinction.

“I’m surprised that Powerlink is not more amenable to expert advice when it relates to environmental management,” Dr Sands said.

The existence of the vine was noted in the Draft EIS out now for the 275 kV Woolooga to Cooroy South Transmission Line and Cooroy South Substation Project, prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) Australia for Powerlink, the project proponent.

Owners of the property on which the vine was found, James and Janet Luttrell, were initially refused GPS coordinates of vine by PB.

The GPS coordinates were only provided to the Luttrells, who are also members of the Powerlines Action Group Eumundi (PAGE), following intervention by the Sunshine Coast Daily earlier this month.

“We are members of the butterfly network and have recorded many sightings of the butterflies ourselves,” Janet said.

“We’re understandably excited that our property has been declared as having the northern most colony of the species, which were once found as far north as Maryborough.

“We’re hardly going to sabotage the vine and kill off butterflies – and we’re still absolutely insulted by PB’s direct inference that we will.”

The Richmond Birdwing Butterfly is one of Australia’s most impressive and beautiful native butterflies, but unfortunately it’s under threat of extinction due to land clearing and is classified as vulnerable under the Queensland Nature Conservation Act.

The wingspan of the female is about 14 cm across, while the male is smaller but much more colourful with dominant iridescent green wings splashed with velvet black and a yellow body. Its very survival depends on the existence of the Richmond Birdwing Vine – Pararistolochia praevenosa.

PAGE is a not-for-profit community organisation committed to promoting sustainable ways to meet the Sunshine Coast’s future energy needs, and working constructively with the Queensland Government and its agencies.

Due to Powerlink hosting their upcoming public EIS workshops in Gympie and Federal, ignoring residents affected by the southern part of the proposed easement, PAGE is proposing to host a community meeting, including an EIS workshop, in Eumundi.

The proposed meeting is intended offer assistance to affected landholders in responding to the Draft EIS, regardless of where they live. To register your interest in attending, email contact@saveeumundi.org or phone PAGE on 0428 355 638.

Details of the free workshop will be made available in the near future, depending on the level of interest received.

For more information on the alternatives and the campaign to date, visit PAGE’s website http://www.saveeumundi.org

The Draft EIS, including mention of the Birdwing Butterfly Vine find, was released of public comment on 31 March. Submissions close 5pm Friday, 15 May 2009.

Ends.

Note to editors:
Imagery and photo opportunities available via contact@saveeumundi.org
Photo caption: Butterfly.jpg – Image of a male and female Richmond Birdwing Butterfly, taken by Musavale Road property owner Jack Connolly
Draft EIS references: 19.3.11; 9.2.7; 9.3; Table 9-10; Appendix N Section 4.1.2

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Organisation: Powerlines Action Group Eumundi (PAGE)
Date: Monday 20 April 2009
Media Contacts:
Dr Don Sands on 3374 1608
Janet Luttrell on 0419 650 003
PAGE environmental spokesperson Annette House on 0407 636 199
Email: contact@saveeumundi.org