Dune ‘shaping’ to begin across Northern Beaches, The Strand for turtle nesting habitat

Three busy Townsville beaches will be closed to the public for several weeks as heavy machinery gets to work. See where.

Beach lovers can expect an influx of heavy machinery over the next few weeks as Townsville City Council completes dune remediation works to help nesting sea turtles.

The council will be ‘replenishing’ and ‘shaping’ dunes at The Strand, Toolakea and Balgal Beach.

Work crews are expected to spend two weeks at each location moving sand, starting at The Strand and finishing at Balgal.

In addition to the sand works, Maritime Safety Queensland have successfully installed a groyne at Nelly Bay to create an inviting nesting habitat.

A groyne is a low wall or barrier built in the sea to reduce beach erosion.

Mayor Jenny Hill said in 2021 Magnetic Island recorded its first ever flatback sea turtle nesting since the construction of the Nelly Bay Harbour.

Dune works at The Strand, October 24

“To successfully nest, turtles need a nice sandy beach, which is where council comes in,” Cr Hill said.

“This shows the remediation works council is undertaking is effective and is helping to grow Townsville into a well-educated community that participates in protecting our natural environment.”

Turtle nesting starts in November and runs through to March.

Hatchling season runs from December to May.

The green turtle and flatback turtle are often seen in waters off Townsville - both are threatened species.

Originally published as Dune ‘shaping’ to begin across Northern Beaches, The Strand for turtle nesting habitat