Published on Thursday, 10 April 2025 at 12:19:41 PM
A new initiative to replace lighting on foreshore paths will help protect Hedland's vulnerable flatback turtle populations.
Installation of turtle-friendly bollard lighting begins this week from the Civic Centre to Cemetery Beach in Port Hedland.
The new amber-coloured, LED, solar powered bollard lights are designed to reduce the impact of artificial lighting on nesting turtles and hatchlings, while providing enough illumination to ensure safety for pedestrians using the path at night.
Flatback turtles are a treasured part of Hedland’s natural environment, with Cemetery Beach being one of the few urban nesting sites in Australia.
Nesting turtles and hatchlings use natural light from the moon and stars to navigate towards the ocean, however, artificial lighting can disorient them, often leading them away from the sea and putting their survival at risk.
Michael Cuvalo, Manager Environmental Services, said this project highlighted how urban infrastructure could coexist with local ecosystems through smart, sustainable design.
“While natural predation, extreme weather and harsh temperatures are out of the Town’s control, turtle misdirection resulting from artificial light spill is a factor we can change together.”
“By using amber LED lights with a reduced blue light spectrum, we’re giving flatback turtles a better chance at survival.”
Mayor Peter Carter said the Town was proud to invest in environmentally sensitive lighting to support Hedland’s local Flatback turtle population.
“The Town is committed to ensuring that we make positive changes and take proactive steps in protecting one of our region’s most iconic and precious marine species.” Mayor Carter said.
Mining Electrical Contracting have been engaged to install the bollards, with works expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
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