Sunshine Coast community members can help clear the way for turtle hatchlings when they emerge from their nests this season.
Residents have been encouraged to take part in the Clean up for the Hatchlings event on February 4, before the little ones emerge from below the sand and embark on their journey to the water’s edge.
Sunshine Coast Council Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Peter Cox said that while every day could be a beach clean-up day, he was delighted to see the community come together to help protect the threatened species every year.
“We are a turtle-friendly community on the Sunshine Coast and this is our chance to make a difference to our threatened turtle hatchlings,” he said.
“So far this nesting season, we’ve had 10 turtle nests and approximately 1270 eggs laid.
“Cleaning up the beaches will give these little guys the best start in life.”
It’s the ninth edition of the event, run by the council, in partnership with TurtleCare Sunshine Coast, Reef Check Australia, Unitywater, SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast and Noosa Council.
Volunteers can register to pick up litter at various beaches between Noosa and Caloundra from 6-7.30am.
Participants are also invited to Coopers Lookout Park, south of the Kawana Surf Club, to enjoy a free barbecue, participate in a prize draw and other fun activities and, most importantly, to weigh and sort the collected debris, from 8am.
The event will be single-use plastic-free, so participants should bring a reusable water bottle, coffee cup and gloves, as well as enclosed footwear and sun protection.
There will also be a chance to score a prize including vouchers for Your Mates Brewery, SeaLife and Saltwater Ecotours.
Help keep independent and fair Sunshine Coast news coming by subscribing to our free daily news feed. All it requires is your name and email. See SUBSCRIBE at the top of this article.
