Joint media release: Funding boost to protect turtles on the Great Barrier Reef

The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for the Environment and Water
Senator Nita Green, Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef, Senator for Queensland
The Hon Leanne Linard MP, Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef
Tom Smith MP, Member for Bundaberg

The Federal and Queensland Labor governments are investing $2.8 million to help protect threatened marine turtles in the Great Barrier Reef.

Of the six species of marine turtles found in the Great Barrier Reef, three are endangered, and three are critically endangered.

That’s why the Federal and Queensland governments are teaming up to fund projects to support the protection of turtle eggs and turtle hatchlings from threats like feral animals, habitat loss and marine debris.

Feral animals like pigs and foxes are the main predators of turtle eggs and hatchlings. This funding will support innovative ideas such as the use of thermal imaging and drones to control feral pigs.

Removing these feral animals has other benefits for the Reef too. Once pigs are removed, Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers have reported seeing regrowth of sensitive vegetation and improvements in the health of freshwater wetlands, creek and rivers.  

Projects will be undertaken in and around the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, including in western Cape York. Projects will be managed by the Queensland Government and delivered through grants.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek:

“I’m committed to protecting the Great Barrier Reef and the endangered Hawksbill, Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles that call it home.

“Studies conducted in western Cape York have shown feral pigs were responsible for the loss of up to 70 per cent of clutches of eggs on many beaches. But since the program started, predation on turtle nests has been reduced to only 8 percent within the project areas. 

“That’s why we’re investing more to continue this vital work and protect these precious creatures for our kids and grandkids.”

Quotes attributable to the Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef, Senator Nita Green:

“Six of the world’s seven species of marine turtle live in the waters around Australia, and all occur within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

“Turtles play a crucial role in the Reef’s ecosystem and our investment will help ensure their contribution to its outstanding universal value is preserved.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Environment Minister, Leanne Linard:

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to ensuring the Great Barrier Reef’s long-term survival, including the many different species who call it home.

“Since 2014, the Nest to Ocean Program has consistently achieved greater than 90% nest survival as a result of the predator control activities and direct nest protection.

“In total, it is estimated that approximately 2.5 million hatchlings have been protected since the inception of the program.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Bundaberg, Tom Smith:

“The Bundaberg region is proud to play an important role in the protection of turtles on Australia’s east coast.

“Our region is home to the Mon Repos Conservation Park, which supports the largest concentration of nesting marine turtles on the east coast and has the most significant loggerhead turtle nesting population in the South Pacific region.

“Our community understands the importance of conservation and the financial benefits to our local economy that the turtle season brings and that is why we welcome this funding from the Albanese and Palaszczuk Governments to protect turtles who nest right along the Queensland coast.”