NEW SIGNAGE HELPS PROTECT CENTRAL QUEENSLAND TURTLES

Visitors to StanageBay’s Alligator Bay Turtle Rookery in Central Queensland are being made more aware of helping protect the area’s natural environment.

Natural Resources Minister Craig Wallace said his departmental officers had erected new signage at the site earlier this month to provide information to people who visit the rookery.

The signage provides information on flatback turtle hatchlings in the area and site-related details.

Mr Wallace said AlligatorBay was a significant sized rookery in a remote, yet accessible location within the region.

“In the past there have been issues with vehicles on the beach and some vegetation destruction,’’ he said.

Rockhampton-based NRW senior land officer Ross Lanyon said listed as a “vulnerable’’ species in Queensland (Nature conservation Act 1992) and nationally (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999), flatback turtles can be threatened by uncontrolled vehicles damaging nests and disturbing laying turtles.

The flatback turtle feeds in the northern coastal regions of Australia, ranging as far south as the Tropic of Capricorn.

Mr Lanyon said this new signage would benefit both locals and campers to the area.

“The State Land Management team is working towards protecting the area through improved fire and pest management,’’ he said.

Mr Lanyon said they were also assisting in the regulation of vehicle traffic, revegetation and remedial works.

Further information on the flatback turtle is available at www.epa.qld.gov.au/nature_conservation/wildlife/threatened_plants_and_animals/vulnerable/flatback_turtle/

For further information contact: Paul Childs, Craig Wallace’s office, on 0407 131 654 or NRW Central West Region media and communications officer Rachael McDonald on (07) 4938 4373 or at Rachael.mcdonald@nrw.qld.gov.au

Photograph available on request.
Caption: Stanage Bay residents (from left) Larry Casey, Bill Nord, Alf Nord and Joan Perry with new signage in the area that creates increased awareness about the turtle habitat.