Published on Friday, 1 November 2024 at 9:35:13 AM
The Town of Port Hedland is proposing restrictions on vehicles and dogs on Hedland beaches to help support the conservation of the endangered flatback turtles.
The proposal includes a permanent ban of vehicle access to the eastern Spoilbank foreshore while a seasonal ban will apply to dogs on turtle nesting beaches of Four Mile and Pretty Pool, Cemetery Beach and the eastern Spoilbank beach.
The proposed seasonal ban runs from November to March and means dogs will not be allowed on those beaches - even on a leash.
A public consultation period will give people an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposals before councillors vote on the issue.
Mayor Peter Carter said these targeted actions were crucial for minimising environmental impacts.
"Our beaches play an important role in the survival of the flatback turtle population, which faces serious threats from human activity,” he said.
“By limiting certain activities during this sensitive time, we hope to give these turtles the best chance to thrive, ensuring they can continue to be a part of our natural heritage for generations to come.”
In the 2023/2024 turtle nesting season, the Town received frequent reports from turtle monitoring volunteers identifying numerous unrestrained dogs during site patrols.
Several of these reports stated the unrestrained dogs had ventured onto nests and caused significant damage.
Manager of Environmental Services, Michael Cuvalo said it was crucial to have these restrictions in place, as the flatback turtles are extremely vulnerable to impacts of human interference.
“We know that nesting habitats must remain viable during the nesting season, and with vehicle impacts, this can cause irreparable damage” he said.
“We understand that the proposed restrictions may impact some beach users, but we also know that our community values and respects the natural environment and our local wildlife.”
Mr Cuvalo said the Town had to balance the region’s deep connections to our coastal ecosystems and protecting our native wildlife, with the popularity of outdoor activities in Hedland.
“People will still be able to access the northern and western sides of Spoilbank for off-road activities to exercise their dogs, or to go fishing,” he said.
The public consultation period runs until close of business on 27 November.
For more information on the proposal and to participate in the public consultation, please visit: Flatback Turtle Nesting Habitat Protection
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