Council installs new street lighting to cut the glow and help protect turtle hatchlings

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Published
14th October 2020

Livingstone Shire Council has recently worked in partnership with Ergon Energy to have coloured street lighting installed along the Zilzie Esplanade in a bid to help protect turtle hatchlings from getting disorientated by artificial lights.

As part of a trial in conjunction with Ergon Energy and with assistance from Queensland Marine Parks and Wildlife Service and Fitzroy Basin Association volunteers, four street lights along the esplanade have been swapped to amber coloured lighting.

Artificial lighting can interfere with a turtle’s ability to see the natural horizon and hatchlings can become disorientated and veer from their path.

Portfolio holder for Water, Waste Management and the Environment, Councillor Andrea Friend, said some hatchlings that have made it out to sea can also be lured back to the land by strong coastal lights.

“Hatchlings have a low chance of survival with only about 1 in 1,000 reaching maturity, so it’s vital Council helps to maximise nesting success and hatchling survival,” Cr Friend said.

“Zilzie is a well-known nesting area for sea turtles and it’s important that Council acts to protect the species with this trial.

“Council has contacted nearby residents to explain the changes to the street lighting which will remain in place throughout the 2021 turtle hatchling season.”

During the breeding season (15 October to 30 April) whether you are a resident, visitor or business, you can help cut the glow of lights affecting beaches in your local area.

From 7:30pm:

  • Switch off unnecessary lights
  • Close your curtains and blinds
  • Use motion sensor lights for external lights
  • Position your lights so they face away from the beach
  • Plant vegetation to create a light barrier
  • When camping, shade lights to reduce the illuminated area
  • Only use a small torch (less than 3 volts) on the beach.

Please find more information about the impact of artificial lighting via this website: https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/mon-repos/about/cut-the-glow#artificial_lights