Plan to stop crushing of hatchlings on Mackay beaches

Council is teaming up with the Mackay and District Turtle Watch Association to put up extra turtle protections

Every year baby turtles on Mackay beaches face being crushed to death inside the egg before they can hatch out of their nests.

Mackay and District Turtle Watch Association member Cass Hayward said cars, quad bikes and motorbikes rode over the beaches and foredunes risking hundreds of hatchlings each turtle nesting season between October and late-March.

“Four-wheel-driving over dune systems is bad at any time of year and can cause many problems including erosion but during these Spring and Summer months, there is the added risk of destroying turtle nests,” Ms Hayward said.

“We understand people are just trying to have fun and don’t set out to do harm.”

MDTWA members, who had taken it upon themselves to erect makeshift warning signs along foredunes, have asked Mackay Regional Council for help with more permanent signage.

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MRC development services director Aletta Nugent said the Natural Environment team would work with the group to develop a signage program to install signs on identified beaches in time for the next turtle season.

“Council has previously worked closely with the group in regard to implementing interpretative signage about marine turtles as well as turtle tracking and monitoring projects,” Ms Nugent said.

“It’s also a timely reminder that for the safety and protection of turtle hatchlings, that residents remember to follow all beach access signage in the area, especially where it clearly states that no vehicles are permitted.”

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