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The turtles are now coming in to the various beaches from Bundaberg, northwards.To all 4 wd drivers: please do not drive above the high water marks, as this compacts the sand where the nests are, making it even more difficult for the hatchlings to emerge. I asked our local police officer about the legalities and , apparently, it is against the law to drive ALONG beaches north of Bundy, but the police have never enforced the law.
Two years ago in the Christmas holidays, we had a 4 wder make deep tyre ruts along our local beach, next morning (6am) we were walking along the beach and found 9 hatchlings on their backs, dead; they fell in the ruts and, trying to get up the rut "wall" rolled over and died. A few hundred metres on, another set of hatchlings were squashed by the 4wd.
So, I do ask you to be aware and be careful if you are camping at some turtle beach, the poor little buggers have a hard enough life, as it is, without the hassles of 4wds.
They are cute little fellas and grow to be a gorgeous sea creature. Their protection against 4wd's is simply a matter of more education. I wonder how many beach goers with 4x4's actually know the breeding times of turtles and when to actually stay off the beaches. Then the other good thing would be to actually enforce the laws by policing the beaches.
Bobbyj123,
There are several beaches that are gazetted roads north of Bundaberg, Curtis Island, 5 rocks etc. all road rules apply. Having a shack on south end on curtis it is all about education, not driving at night and not driving above the high water mark. There is a volunteer who works every season to ensure all the turtles nests are protected from wild pigs and that they make it to the water. Apparently just driving past a turtle with car lights on is enough for it to return to the water without laying its eggs. They have enough trouble with the sharks let alone people running over them.
As well as beaches north of Bundy, take care when driving on Bribie, Straddy, Moreton and along Teewah to DI point. These animals aren't as great in numbers south of Bundy, but need the protection all the same.
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