More than 300 people gathered on Woorim Beach to form a giant turtle shape, marking the start of Bribie Island’s turtle nesting season and raising awareness about endangered turtles that depend on the island’s dunes.
Local Conservation at the Forefront
While Unitywater supported the event through its Healthy and Thriving Community Grants Program, the focus remained on BIEPA’s work to maintain and enhance Bribie Island’s ecosystems. The organisation promotes responsible beach behaviour and carries out endangered species monitoring on the island’s remote northern beaches.
According to BIEPA President Richard Ogden, driving on the beach at night risks disturbing female turtles as they cross to nest, while driving above the high-tide line can damage unidentified nests. Ruts left in soft sand also create hazards for hatchlings trying to reach the sea.
BIEPA encourages drivers to avoid night-time driving and stay below the high-tide line during nesting season. Its volunteers continue to collect data and share information that helps reduce human disturbance and improve outcomes for turtles on Bribie Island.
Tread Lightly on Bribie: Tide Planning Tool for Responsible Beach Driving
One of BIEPA’s key initiatives is Tread Lightly on Bribie, a tide planning tool that helps drivers avoid sensitive times and vulnerable areas on the beach. The tool allows users to plan trips that reduce disturbance to nesting adults and newly emerged hatchlings. It provides tide and planning information to help visitors and residents drive responsibly and avoid soft sand areas where nests are often hidden.
Information associated with the tool emphasises avoiding driving at night and staying off the sand above the high-tide line, where turtles may nest. The Tread Lightly Learn and Protect sections explain how small changes in driving habits can prevent damage to nests and lower the risk of hatchling deaths.
By checking the tool before heading to the beach, drivers can plan their trips to minimise their impact on local wildlife.
Community Commitment to Bribie’s Wildlife
The annual Giant Turtle event not only marks the start of nesting season but also showcases local community involvement in protecting turtle nesting areas. Through public education, volunteer programs and tools like Tread Lightly, BIEPA continues to support marine conservation on Bribie Island.
Joshua Zugajev, Unitywater’s Executive Manager for Strategic Engagement, said the organisation backs community-led environmental programs through its Healthy and Thriving Community Grants initiative. He noted that Bribie Island, an important part of Moreton Bay and Unitywater’s service area, is home to endangered green and loggerhead turtles that depend on its ecosystems.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Through the grant, Unitywater supported BIEPA’s Giant Turtle event, where locals gathered to form a large turtle shape on the beach to raise awareness about nesting season. The funding also helps BIEPA volunteers continue monitoring endangered species on Bribie’s northern beaches and promote more responsible behaviour among beachgoers.
With ongoing community participation, locals are working together to protect the island’s coastal turtle habitats and ensure these endangered species have a safe place to nest for years to come.
Published 4-Nov-2025
Featured Image Photo Credit: BEIPA
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