Turtle lovers are invited to spend time at Mon Repos as part of a volunteer community program aimed at helping endangered species and the environment.
Mon Repos Conservation Park have called for volunteers ahead of the turtle season, with those aged 18 and over urged to apply.
A Mon Repos Conservation Park spokesperson said the role of a volunteer was a rewarding experience.
“The benefits of a becoming a volunteer include connection to the community, reconnecting to nature and gaining experience for future work,” the spokesperson said.
Mon Repos turtle population
Mon Repos experiences around 50 per cent of the South Pacific Loggerhead nesting population and three out of seven marine nesting turtle species nest at the beach every year.
“382 loggerheads were recorded ashore for breeding on the Woongarra Coast for the 2018-19 season,” the spokesperson said.
“However turtles do not breed every year, so the numbers fluctuate each season.
“There are also about three to 10 flatbacks nesting at Mon Repos each summer and up to three green turtles.”
Mon Repos makes the perfect nesting ground
Mon Repos is said to be the largest mainland turtle rookery on the east coast of Australia.
A sandy beach with headlands to protect the dunes from erosion makes an ideal habitat for nesting turtles.
“The temperature of sand is ideal for egg incubation, within the range of 25 to 32 degrees,” the spokesperson said.
“It has traditionally been a dark beach; nesting turtles prefer dark beaches for nesting as they use natural light horizons.”
What does a Mon Repos volunteer do?
Volunteers work closely with rangers to ensure visitors have a truly unique experience.
Volunteers help greet people, work in the souvenir shop, answer visitor questions, help with kids activities and much more.
“All you need is enthusiasm, friendliness, be able to chat with inquisitive visitors and have a firm commitment to the Turtle Volunteer Program,” the spokesperson said.
“All volunteers will get to experience Marine Turtle Encounter tours during the season.”
The spokesperson said each volunteer would need to commit to certain periods of training to be able to fulfill the role.
“Our night volunteers are asked for their time one night per week from 6.45pm to 11.15pm for the duration of the turtle season (November to March),” the spokesperson said.
“All night volunteers are required to attend four training sessions throughout October.”
The spokesperson said day volunteers would be needed one day per week from 10am to 2pm.
How to apply?
- Contact Queensland Parks and Wildlife Rangers to obtain an application form.
- Return your form by 31 August.
- For more information email jess.mckenzie@des.qld.gov.au or phone 4159 1652.
