Published on Thursday, 31 October 2019 at 11:07:29 AM
In an ongoing partnership between the Town of Port Hedland, Care for Hedland and Horizon Power, streetlights along sections of Sutherland Street will be switched off from Friday 1 November to help reduce the negative impacts that streetlights can have on Port Hedland’s flatback turtle hatchlings.
Hon. Commissioner Fred Riebeling said that every second light from Stevens St to Crawford St would be switched off for the duration of turtle season.
“Adjusting the light in this area will assist with the natural hatching process of our local flatback turtles, who are very sensitive to light.”
“During the nesting process, adult turtles may get disorientated by light, which can lead to unsuccessful nest building and laying of eggs. Later in the season hatchlings are confused by light and may be unable to find their way to the ocean”.
“To help encourage a successful turtle breeding season, we have worked with Care for Hedland and Horizon Power to reduce the negative impact of street lighting in this area.
“The presence of flatback turtles provides our community with the opportunity to witness this unique hatchling event and to become actively involved in contributing to the monitoring of the protected species”.
Streetlights in the Cemetery Beach Park area will also be dimmed on a pre-programmed schedule during the evening and night.
The Town of Port Hedland would like to remind all community members to exercise additional caution if in the areas affected by reduced lighting levels at night.
Signage advising of the street lighting changes will be in place in the areas affected to ensure the community are fully informed.
Care for Hedland Morning Turtle Program Morning Coordinator Melanie Lambert said that switching off of lights for the turtle season is also a timely reminder that torches and flash photography are not allowed on the beach at night during turtle season.
For further information on how to get involved in the local turtle monitoring program, please contact Melanie on 0408 916 772 or email turtle@careforhedland.org.au
Should members of the community have any questions or concerns, they should contact the Town of Port Hedland (08) 9158 9300.
For media information
Laura Hawes, Manager Marketing Events and Communications
(08) 9158 9365
lhawes@porthedland.wa.gov.au
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