Swan Island and Swan Bay have also been sites of tragedy and controversy.
In June 1983, an environmental row erupted over the army’s plans to build a major airstrip, capable of landing Hercules aircraft on Swan Island. There were fears that it would jeopardise bird and wildlife populations, particularly one of Australia’s rarest birds, the orange-bellied parrot. The proposed runway was eventually abandoned after significant lobbying, protests and media focus on the issue.
There have been numerous tragedies in Swan bay. See Stories:
Drowning of local boys
Drowning of SAS Soldiers