Community Outrage After Brush Turkey Dies Following alleged Drunken Attack at Noosa Main Beach

Steve Linnell

Reporter Noosa Today

Community members are calling for justice after a brush turkey died following an act of animal cruelty near Noosa Main Beach on Sunday.

According to witnesses, a group of intoxicated men believed to be in their mid-20s attacked the native bird in an incident that has shocked locals and wildlife advocates.

Queensland Police were called to the scene and responded, however the alleged perpetrators had fled before officers arrived. A concerned member of the public contacted Wildlife Noosa, whose volunteers attended the incident but unfortunately the brush turkey had succumbed to its injuries. The death of the native bird has sparked widespread condemnation from residents, with many describing the incident as a senseless act of cruelty against local wildlife. Animal welfare advocates say such behaviour has no place in the community and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

A spokesperson for Wildlife Noosa said the organisation was deeply saddened by the incident.“Animal cruelty is not tolerated by the Noosa community. Native wildlife deserves to be treated with respect and protected from harm. We urge anyone who may know the identity of those responsible, or who witnessed the incident, to contact Queensland Police. Information from the public could be vital in helping authorities investigate this matter.”

Brush turkeys are protected native wildlife and are a common sight throughout the Noosa region. While they can sometimes be viewed as a nuisance due to their nesting behaviour, harming or killing native wildlife is a serious offence under Queensland law.The incident has renewed calls for greater respect for wildlife and stronger community action against animal cruelty.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that may assist police is encouraged to contact the Noosa Heads Police on (07) 5440 8111