Thousands of turtle hatchlings from the northern beaches of Bribie Island have made it safely to sea, after being monitored by a local conservation group.
More than 4600 hatchlings have emerged from nests and reached the water during the nesting season, from November to April.
The Bribie Island Environmental Protection Association (BIEPA) has helped make it possible, with support from Unitywater’s Healthy and Thriving Community Grants Program.
BIEPA volunteers have been running their daily monitoring and threat protection program and have updated their Tread Lightly app, which provides tide and four-wheel-driving information to help people using the beach recreationally keep the turtles safe.
BIEPA wildlife team leader Darren Jew said volunteer activities involved daily patrols along the 30km stretch of Bribie Island National Park to find nests, relocate or protect them as needed, and assist emerging hatchlings.
“Some of the main threats the loggerhead and green turtles face in this area are predators like foxes, feral pigs and goannas, and bright lights which can deter mothers coming ashore and disorientate hatchlings,” he said.
“As a recreational location, human disturbance is another big threat we see. Four-wheel-drives driving up on the sand dunes can crush nests and driving along soft areas of the sand can create deep tyre ruts that hatchlings can get stuck in.
“The support we’ve received through Unitywater’s grant has meant we’ve been able to continue our daily volunteer efforts to protect these vulnerable species, including finding, fencing and relocating nests where necessary, and other on-the-ground costs such as fuel.”
BIEPA president Richard Ogden said another 1500 turtle hatchlings were expected to emerge before the season ends.
“Our main job at BIEPA is to inspire the community to realise the unique environment we live amongst here on Bribie Island, with dozens and dozens of nests here and volunteers that check in no matter the conditions on the day,” he said.
Unitywater acting executive manager strategic engagement Melissa Bowerman said the group played a key role.
“BIEPA monitored 58 nests on the northern beaches of Bribie Island for the duration of turtle season, giving mothers and their nests the best chance of survival,” she said.
“We (Unitywater) are proud to support organisations like BIEPA, which are enhancing the lifestyle and amenity we all enjoy,” she said.
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Unitywater recently opened applications for its 2026-27 Healthy and Thriving Community Grants Program, with funding available for initiatives enhancing the environment, connecting people to Country or providing innovative water solutions across its service region. Applications will remain open until Friday May 1 and groups can apply using Unitywater’s online grants portal.
