Social and economic considerations

The major economic impact of this Recovery Plan will be on those who require approval to remove or modify Australian Fairy Tern habitat and are prevented from doing so, or are required to modify their proposal by a consent authority. As habitats important habitats are identified, there is potential for developments to be restricted under the EPBC Act development assessment and approval process. This may include increased costs due to the assessment processes, requirement to provide offsets to secure or rehabilitate habitat, or for other threat mitigation work. Further information on the EPBC Act environmental assessment arrangements can be accessed here: http://www.environment.gov.au/protection/environment-assessments.

Localised, short-term, impacts may occur in areas where nest protection measures are implemented around breeding birds. Temporary fencing to delineate a safe distance from a nesting colony may be required to protect vulnerable eggs and chicks from human disturbance and off-leash dogs. Such structures may restrict access to small areas of beach and cause a minor inconvenience to beach visitors during the Australian Fairy Tern breeding season.

A large network of community volunteers across Australia actively participate in BirdLife Australia coordinated annual surveys for migratory shorebirds and beach nesting birds. Involvement can provide social benefits with community members and engaged groups having a sense of achievement, inclusion, community spirit and pride whilst gaining enjoyment and appreciation of their surrounding natural environment. The community education components of the program also promote community ownership, provide community support and encourage active involvement in protecting local natural resources. In Western Australia, a network of over 300 land managers and citizen scientists regularly contribute information on the movement of banded birds and breeding activities.

In addition, there is the potential for economic gains through ecotourism ventures, nature tours and holiday accommodation operators in areas where the Australian Fairy Tern can reliably be seen. Additional social benefits include encouraging passive recreation, appreciation of natural aesthetic values and increased awareness and appreciation of Indigenous cultural values.