Turtle Hour returns on Thursday, 26 November and everyone in the Bundaberg Region is encouraged to switch off their lights between 7.30-8.30pm.
The inaugural event was a world first and Bundaberg Regional Council has decided to make Turtle Hour an annual event, given the ecological significance of turtles nesting in region.
Council's environment portfolio spokesperson Cr Wayne Honor said the event was about coming together and showing support for conservation of the local turtle population.
“Families and businesses can all play their part to cut urban glow from along our beautiful foreshore and put turtles at the forefront for this special hour,” Cr Honor said.
“Individuals, families, businesses and schools can register their interest to take part in reducing urban glow and share the information about Turtle Hour.
“So far, we have had the North High Planeteers, home school network and residents from around the region register and we would like to see as many people as possible take on the initiative to help cut the glow.”
Cr Honor said last year hundreds of homes and businesses in the region took part and turned off their lights for 60 minutes.
“The Bundaberg coastline has the largest concentration of nesting marine turtles on the east coast of Australia and is home to 50 per cent of endangered Loggerhead Turtles breeding activity in the South Pacific Ocean,” he said.
“The light glow doesn’t only effect the adult turtles when they come to lay their eggs during nesting season, it can also be a problem for hatchlings as they emerge and make their way to the shore.
“The young turtles are attracted to the artificial light and get confused making their way in the wrong direction which can then lead to them being found in parks, on roads, or in garden beds around the coastal community.
“This initiative is important, and we can all do a little bit to help.”
Turtle Hour will be held between 7.30-8.30pm on Thursday, 26 November, in the Bundaberg Region.
To register for Turtle Hour 2020 click here.
- Earlier news: Last year's Turtle Hour
