Unitywater Acting Executive Manager Strategic Engagement, Melissa Bowerman, said the grant helped BIEPA volunteers continue running their daily monitoring and threat protection program through the season and an update of their Tread Lightly app, which provides tide and four-wheel-driving information to help people using the beach recreationally keep the turtles safe.
“BIEPA monitored 58 nests on the northern beaches of Bribie Island for the duration of turtle season, giving mothers and their nests the best chance of survival,” Ms Bowerman said.
“Unitywater’s purpose is to be here for healthy and thriving communities, and we do that every day with the delivery of safe, reliable water and wastewater services. But beyond the pumps and pipes, our team members are part of this community, and we are proud to support organisations like BIEPA, which are enhancing the lifestyle and amenity we all enjoy,” she said.
BIEPA Wildlife Team Leader, Darren Jew, said volunteer activities involved daily patrols along the 30km stretch of Bribie Island National Park to find nests, relocate or protect them as needed, and assist emerging hatchlings.
“Some of the main threats the Loggerhead and green turtles face in this area are predators like foxes, feral pigs and goannas, and bright lights which can deter mothers coming ashore and disorientate hatchlings,” Mr Jew said.
“As a recreational location, human disturbance is another big threat we see – four-wheel-drives driving up on the sand dunes can crush nests and driving along soft areas of the sand can create deep tyre ruts that hatchlings can get stuck in.”
“The support we’ve received through Unitywater’s grant has meant we’ve been able to continue our daily volunteer efforts to protect these vulnerable species, including finding, fencing and relocating nests where necessary, and other on-the-ground costs such as fuel.”
BIEPA President Richard Ogden said another 1,500 turtle hatchlings expected to emerge before the season ends.
“Our main job at BIEPA is to inspire the community to realise the unique environment we live amongst here on Bribie Island – with dozens and dozens of nests here and volunteers that check in no matter the conditions on the day,” Mr Ogden said.
Unitywater recently opened applications for its 2026-27 Healthy and Thriving Community Grants Program, with funding available for initiatives enhancing the environment, connecting people to Country or providing innovative water solutions across its service region.
Applications will remain open until Friday 1 May and groups can apply using Unitywater’s online grants portal.
To find out more or apply for a grant, visit our grants page.
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