In a bid to protect a pair of osprey in Mackay, Optus has joined forces with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service to build the birds a home.

Ospreys, large fish hawks, usually nest in the top of trees or other high structures such as towers. In Mackay, a mobile base station located near the Council water reservoir recently became a nesting ground of choice.

Keir Preedy, Director Mobile Network Systems and Programmes, said when Optus discovered ospreys nesting in one of our base stations, the company wanted to ensure the birds could do so safely without interfering with the base station's function.

"A special cradle was designed and built by Optus providing easy access to their nest and improving the chances of breeding.

"With the guidance of the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Optus relocated the birds to a position 1.5 metres on top of the existing base station," Mr Preedy said.

In addition, a second cradle was built and donated to the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service by Optus for the future needs of the service.

Optus is always looking to help protect the local wildlife.

The Member for Mackay, Tim Mulherin, said that early indications were good for the future of the osprey pair.

"The birds were nesting soon after the relocation," Mr Mulherin said. "It was opportune that the nest could be relocated prior to the breeding season.

"It is positive to see initiatives taken to ensure that mobile phone towers can accommodate nesting birds without compromising their other functions."

For more information:
Donna Clatworthy
Cable & Wireless Optus
Phone: (02) 9342 7850