Vets and residents shell-shocked as fatal turtle toll soars near housing developments

A SPATE of turtles being killed or injured near new developments around Riverstone and Schofields has prompted an investigation.

Turtle rescued from Riverstone, handed in to Vineyard Vet on Friday 23rd October with a cracked shell.

A SPATE of turtles being killed or injured near new developments around Riverstone and Schofields has prompted an investigation by environmental officers from Blacktown Council.

Residents and local vets are reporting distressing road accidents almost daily, with the small eastern long necked turtles being displaced.

According to Riverstone resident Alison Hudson, the sight of the roadkill in local streets, particularly around the housing works along Boundary Rd, Riverstone, had been “shocking”.

Her daughter found three killed last week, then another one the next day. Residents have also reported the turtles being hit or injured at Rouse Hill, Kellyville, Quakers Hill and Oakville.

A turtle crossing Boundary Rd, Riverstone, on October 24, 2015.

A turtle rescued from Riverstone, and handed in to Vineyard Animal Hospital.

“It’s truly awful,” Ms Hudson said. She contacted the council and other authorities, but was told to ring WIRES, the wildlife rescue organisation.

“Local residents are trying to rescue them, but often just as you get out of the car another speeding car squashes the turtle,” she said.

WHY SNAKES HAVE MORE TO FEAR FROM US

“And what about moving alive turtles?”

A spokesman for Blacktown Council said it was actively investigating reports that turtles were being displaced by the developments.

Council environmental officers have been sent to Riverstone to investigate the magnitude of the issue.

“If any council requirements have been found to be breached, council can and will take action.

“Council is most concerned over the fate of wildlife caught up in development areas, and having seen the need to relocate fauna when dams were being drained several years ago, took action to protect it.

“There is now a standard condition on all development approvals for subdivisions in the growth centre precincts, which requires developers to protect wildlife in the dams, particularly those native to Australia.”

It is a council requirement that the dams be drained in stages and all affected native animals be collected by an appropriately qualified and licenced ecologist and relocated to a suitable location.

Vineyard Animal Hospital is reporting members of the public bringing in an increasing number of injured turtles in for medical help, with many suffering cracked shells. WIRES is also discovering increased turtle road injuries.

WHAT TO DO

■ WIRES advises to take an injured turtle to a vet if possible and call 1300 094 737

■ If it’s not injured, check the shell for cracks, gently move it away from the road, using a towel if you are concerned about bites

■ Place the animal in a safe area near natural water source

■ If you are unsure if the turtle is native or cannot find a safe location call WIRES