1 October 2024
Photographer Wayne Reinke, winner of Wildlife Queensland’s Inaugural 2023 Wayne Lawler Nature Conservation Photography Grant, is inspiring action preserving threatened species with his wildlife photography.
Capturing Glenwood’s wildlife
Winning Wildlife Queensland’s Wayne Lawler Nature Conservation Photography Grant has helped Wayne continue exploring his local area of Glenwood and the surrounding area, taking beautiful photographs of wildlife. His aim is to use his camera to bring local species into focus.
One of his highlights in recent months was an exhibition organised by the local council at the Gatakers Art Space in Maryborough (pictured above). The exhibition displayed Wayne’s images of local bird species, including the critically endangered regent honeyeater (Anthochaera phrygia) and the vulnerable glossy black-cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami), two birds at the heart of conservation efforts in the region.
Inspiring conservation through guided tours
Wayne’s dedication to protecting wildlife extends far beyond the art gallery. Most days, he takes local residents into the forest to show them areas where he has observed birds and other wildlife. Recently, he led a tour to see a group of four glossy black-cockatoos he had discovered near a proposed wind farm development site.
“On any day I could easily cover 100 km and I go out every day as wildlife photography is my only vice, Wildlife Queensland’s Wayne Lawler Nature Conservation Grant has allowed me to sustain the costs involved in being where the bird action is at the time,” says Wayne.
Wayne’s wildlife knowledge has become so well-known that he’s now in high demand, with friends and fellow residents often needing to book in advance to join him on his wildlife expeditions.
Building community engagement
Wayne has also started sharing his photography on local community social media pages, to help raise awareness about the rich wildlife present across the Fraser Coast.
From Rainbow Beach to Maryborough and further inland to Tiaro, Gympie and Glenwood, his photos have sparked discussions about conservation and the importance of protecting local habitats. Wayne’s online engagement has led to invitations to present to local homeschooling groups, such as those in Rainbow Beach and Glenwood.
Documenting endangered species
Wayne’s efforts have already led to important wildlife discoveries. His observations of threatened species like the glossy black-cockatoo and the regent honeyeater emphasise the urgent need for conservation in areas under threat from renewable energy development.
Wayne and his team have spotted platypus in local streams but have faced difficulties photographing them due to their elusive nature and the challenges of reaching remote areas. He has also begun searching for quolls, which were once known to inhabit the area. To help with this, Wayne has purchased trail cameras, which he strategically places in the hopes of photographing one of these endangered marsupials.
Figure 1: Some of Wayne Reinke’s photographs. 1. Yellow-tailed cockatoo, 2. White-cheeked honeyeater, 3. King parrot, 4. Brown honeyeater feeding chicks, 5. Australian rufous fantail.
Expanding conservation efforts
Looking ahead, Wayne aims to explore potential habitats for ground parrots and regent honeyeaters and continue his work protecting endangered species.
“My photos are a voice for the wildlife in the area, which is now under threat from projects to install renewables that seem to ignore the needs of the local wildlife and their habitat,” says Wayne.
By getting out into his local area, Wayne has highlighted the wildlife of the Fraser Coast and inspired others to get involved. Wildlife Queensland celebrates Wayne’s expanding role in community education and his ongoing ability to inspire others with his knowledge and passion.
The Glenwood (QLD) Wildlife Awareness Group
Wayne is a dedicated member of Glenwood (QLD) Wildlife Awareness Group, a community organisation dedicated to fostering a deep appreciation and understanding of wildlife among the members of Glenwood and surrounding communities.
The group is currently concerned about the Forest Wind project, a proposed renewable energy development. The Toolara and Tuan forests, stretching about 70 kilometres east of Glenwood between Maryborough and Gympie, will have around 400 sq km set aside for 226 wind turbines. This area is within the catchments of the Mary River and the Great Sandy Strait Marine Park, raising concerns among locals and ecologists about the potential impacts on these environments during a flood. Please contact the group if you’d like to become involved.
What you can do:
- Get ready to apply for our next Wayne Lawler Nature Conservation Photography Grant. Details will be announced before the end of the year.
- Voice your concerns about the placement of renewable energy projects to the Queensland Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef and Minister for Science and Innovation, the Hon. Leanne Linard MP and Shadow Minister for the Environment, the Great Barrier Reef, Science innovation and Youth, Sam O’Connor.
- Read about renowned Australian wildlife photographer Michael Snedic and his tips for aspiring photographers.
- Subscribe to our eBulletin Talking Wildlife to learn more about your local wildlife, plus Wildlife Queensland’s latest news and offers.