Vandals damage turtle area and much-loved lake

Separate investigations are underway after the deliberate poisoning of two sensitive coastal environments.

Dozens of trees and shrubs over a 250m2 area have been destroyed at Buddina Beach Foreshore Reserve, at beach access 202 on Pacific Boulevard, with a similar offence committed at Currimundi Lake.

Sunshine Coast Council is investigating both acts of environmental vandalism and a large warning sign has been installed at each location to highlight the damage and send a clear message to the community that this illegal activity will not be tolerated.

The location of each sign has been carefully selected to minimise any further impact on the environment and community safety, while still ensuring it effectively communicates about the damaged area.

The signs will stay in place until the sites have regenerated.

^{Location of the damage at Buddina is within the red outline.}

Sunshine Coast Division 4 Councillor Joe Natoli said senseless damage had far reaching consequences.

“Buddina Beach is a vital nesting location for critically endangered loggerhead turtles with data revealing nests are laid in and around this location each season,” Cr Natoli said.

“Trees and shrubs in the dunes help to prevent light shining onto the beach, which is called light pollution.

“Light pollution deters female turtles from laying and bright artificial light near nesting beaches can disorientate hatchlings leading them away from the sea and toward inland areas and roads, decreasing their chances of survival.”

Councillor Natoli said each location had been lovingly cared for by hundreds of local volunteers either through BushCare, TurtleCare or at marine debris clean up events.

“In the past 12 months, BushCare volunteers have spent almost 200 hours working hard to conserve the Buddina dunes, which are an important part of our coastline,” Cr Natoli said.

“And this season, TurtleCare citizen scientist volunteers have contributed more than 2200 hours, which is more than 13 weeks, to the ongoing survival of critically endangered turtles by monitoring nesting mothers, relocating nests if necessary for hatchling survival, and providing essential data to support this protection of these majestic animal.”

^{Tests have come back positive for herbicide poisoning at Buddina.}

Sunshine Coast Division 3 Councillor Tim Burns said it was a similar story at Currimundi Lake.

^{Blue dot indicates location of the damage at Currimundi}

”BushCare volunteers at Currimundi Lake have spent 335 hours in the past year protecting the well-loved lake and nature reserve,” Cr Burns said.

“And countless hours have been donated over many years by community groups – like the Currimundi Catchment Care Group and Friends of Currimundi Lake – and local people who help conserve the lake and clean up at initiatives such as Clean up Australia Day.”

^{A warning sign has been installed at Currimundi where the damage has occurred.}

Heavy penalties for environmental vandals

Those found guilty of such offences can be fined up to $131,580 and anyone with information is urged to contact Council on 07 5475 7272.

Councillor Natoli called on the community to help find the culprit or culprits by providing evidence to identify the offenders.

“Council is investigating both sites, and we are calling on the local residents to help,” Cr Natoli said.

“Our natural environment is part of what makes the Sunshine Coast so special and if convicted of illegal damage, people can face significant fines of up to $131,580 from Council and more if found guilty under the Queensland Environmental Protection Act.”

Council, through its Sunshine Coast Environment and Liveability Strategy, recognises the importance of protecting and enhancing our natural assets and takes a very strong stance when it comes to illegal damage of this nature.

Council receives regular complaints of illegal clearing and poisoning of native trees and is working with our community to nurture and enhance our environment and quality of life.

We are grateful to those residents who report this to Council as without their information, it is often difficult to find the culprits and prosecute them, which in turn deters others from carrying out environmental vandalism.