Residents and businesses are being encouraged to flick the switch in support of the region’s nesting turtles as part of the upcoming Milbi Festival’s Turtle Hour event.
The initiative aims to spread awareness about the negative impact artificial light has on nesting sea turtles and hatchlings.
Bundaberg Region Mayor Jack Dempsey said Turtle Hour provided an opportunity for everyone to play a part in protecting the local environment.
“Our beautiful coastline is world renowned as a turtle nesting site and Mon Repos is an important natural area that we’re very proud of and keen to preserve,” he said.
“This has been highlighted in many aspects of Council work, including the recent upgrade to the Mon Repos carpark which has been created to use as little artificial light as possible, the eco-build of the Mon Repos Turtle Centre and Council’s Reducing Urban Glow initiative.”
Mayor Dempsey said everyone was invited to participate in Turtle Hour on Tuesday, 2 November from 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm.
“All you need to do is switch off your lights for one hour to help reduce the glow and help turtles survive and thrive,” he said.
“With minimal artificial light polluting the sky, there will be fewer negative impacts on turtles.
“Too much artificial lighting can deter adult turtles from nesting and confuse hatchlings.”
Mayor Dempsey said the Bundaberg Region has a “duty of care” to protect the local turtle population.
“All of the world’s sea turtle populations are considered rare or threatened and out of the six species that live in Australia, three nest along the Bundaberg Region’s beaches,” he said.
“We should all work together to improve their survival rate.”
Anyone interested in being part of Turtle Hour can easily get involved by registering here.
The event is part of Bundaberg Regional Council’s Reducing Urban Glow initiative.
To find out more about what Council is doing to reduce urban glow, how you can get involved and to track light glow in our region, visit www.knowyourglow.com.au
Turtle Hour event details:
Date: Tuesday, 2 November
Time: 7.30pm to 8.30pm
Cost: Free
Location: Online community event
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