Latest news with #CooloolaCoastTurtleCare
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Calls for rule change as Aussie beach problem spirals out of control: 'Cannot continue'
One of the world's leading beach ecology experts has again renewed the push to limit the number of four-wheel drives allowed on Australian beaches, warning that the growing popularity of camping and 4WD activity is contributing to irreversible harm along fragile shorelines. It's a beloved pastime for thousands around the country, with many arguing it's a cost-effective way to spend a weekend and a chance to unwind and enjoy family time outside of their regular, busy schedules. But according to research conducted by the University of the Sunshine Coast's Thomas Schlacher, driving along the shore and on dunes has a huge ripple effect on the countless organisms that rely on them. Earlier this year, Schlacher published a comprehensive analysis of the ecological consequences of off-road vehicle (ORV) use on coastal dune ecosystems. Collating data from 443 records across 253 species, it highlighted the extensive and statistically significant negative impacts of ORVs on dune vegetation. Released in March, the study found that even minimal ORV traffic, such as one or two vehicles, can cause serious ecological harm, indicating that there may be no safe threshold in these sensitive environments. In particular, off-road vehicles compact sand, destroy vegetation, and can crush nests, posing serious threats to marine organisms like turtles that rely on undisturbed dunes for nesting. The disruption of these habitats can reduce hatchling survival and alter coastal ecosystems. It's something Jan Waters from Cooloola Coast Turtle Care recently spoke to Yahoo about. Based on the Sunshine Coast, she warned Aussies of the serious consequences of beach driving. "The hatchlings have to cross the deep 4WD tracks to reach the ocean [and] the tracks, created ... on the beach close to the dunes at high tide, are 25cm deep and 25cm wide," Waters told Yahoo. "The small hatchlings are only five centimetres, and once they're caught in the tracks, they will most likely perish." Waters encouraged drivers to travel on the hard, wet sand to ensure they leave behind no ruts. According to Schlacher's study, there's still no "safe level" of beach driving. Despite this, he's still not an advocate for a total ban on beach four-wheel driving, but he is now calling for the practice to be more strictly monitored. "There is no such thing as a trip down a beach, in a vehicle, that doesn't have some form of impact," Schlacher told The Project. In Australia, more than 90 per cent of the country's beaches allow cars on the sand, including in national parks, with Victoria the only state to outlaw the move. In South Africa, it's been banned for two decades. In Queensland, at least one popular tourist beach reported attracting an incredible 2000 cars in a day. "We created national parks to protect nature," Schlacher argued, adding that he'd like to see "some sections", at the very least, reserved for only emergency vehicles. Advocates for 4WD access on beaches often argue that it supports recreation, tourism, and local economies, particularly in coastal towns where off-road driving is a long-standing cultural pastime. Many believe that, when done responsibly, 4WDing allows people to enjoy remote natural areas without causing lasting harm. Supporters also contend that with proper regulation, such as designated driving zones, seasonal restrictions, and education on environmental sensitivity, beach driving can coexist with conservation goals. Brett Lynch of the Bundaberg 4WD Club is a major supporter and said that it's a minority of misbehavers ruining it for everyone. Lynch said the activity is one of the most important memories he has of his late father. "My fondest memories growing up with my parents are camping. My father passed away last year; that's all I have of him now is that," he told The Project. "Being able to share that with my kids, it just helps them have those memories and keeps those memories alive." While acknowledging the cultural significance of four-wheel driving and camping on our beaches, Schlacher said some middle ground must be found. Calls grow for total 4WD ban on Australian beaches Drivers banned from popular 4WD beach after reckless act 4WD owners warned as tourist beach braces for imminent phenomenon "I'm not an advocate or a proponent for a blanket ban — never. But we cannot actually continue [at this rate], which jeopardises what all of our kids want to enjoy in decades to come," he said. "We've got an incredible moral obligation to pass on ecosystems, and not dead piles of sand." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Calls for rule change as Aussie beach problem spirals out of control: 'Can not continue'
One of the world's leading beach ecology experts has again renewed the push to limit the number of four-wheel drives allowed on Australian beaches, warning that the popular camping and 4WD activity is irreversibly damaging the fragile ecosystems along the shoreline. It's a beloved pastime for thousands around the country, with many arguing it's a cost-effective way to spend a weekend and a chance to unwind and enjoy family time outside of their regular, busy schedules. But according to research conducted by the University of the Sunshine Coast's Thomas Schlacher, driving along the shore and on dunes has a huge ripple effect on the countless organisms that rely on them. Earlier this year, Schlacher published a comprehensive analysis of the ecological consequences of off-road vehicle (ORV) use on coastal dune ecosystems. Collating data from 443 records across 253 species, it highlighted the extensive and statistically significant negative impacts of ORVs on dune vegetation. Released in March, the study found that even minimal ORV traffic, such as one or two vehicles, can cause serious ecological harm, indicating that there may be no safe threshold in these sensitive environments. In particular, off-road vehicles compact sand, destroy vegetation, and can crush nests, posing serious threats to marine organisms like turtles that rely on undisturbed dunes for nesting. The disruption of these habitats can reduce hatchling survival and alter coastal ecosystems. It's something Jan Waters from Cooloola Coast Turtle Care recently spoke to Yahoo about. Based on the Sunshine Coast, she warned Aussies of the serious consequences of beach driving. "The hatchlings have to cross the deep 4WD tracks to reach the ocean [and] the tracks, created ... on the beach close to the dunes at high tide, are 25cm deep and 25cm wide," Waters told Yahoo. "The small hatchlings are only five centimetres, and once they're caught in the tracks, they will most likely perish." Waters encouraged drivers to travel on the hard, wet sand to ensure they leave behind no ruts. According to Schlacher's study, there's still no "safe level" of beach driving. Despite this, he's still not an advocate for a total ban on beach four-wheel driving, but he is now calling for the practice to be more strictly monitored. "There is no such thing as a trip down a beach, in a vehicle, that doesn't have some form of impact," Schlacher told The Project. In Australia, more than 90 per cent of the country's beaches allow cars on the sand, including in national parks, with Victoria the only state to outlaw the move. In South Africa, it's been banned for two decades. In Queensland, at least one popular tourist beach reported attracting an incredible 2000 cars in a day. "We created national parks to protect nature," Schlacher argued, adding that he'd like to see "some sections", at the very least, reserved for only emergency vehicles. Advocates for 4WD access on beaches often argue that it supports recreation, tourism, and local economies, particularly in coastal towns where off-road driving is a long-standing cultural pastime. Many believe that, when done responsibly, 4WDing allows people to enjoy remote natural areas without causing lasting harm. Supporters also contend that with proper regulation, such as designated driving zones, seasonal restrictions, and education on environmental sensitivity, beach driving can coexist with conservation goals. Brett Lynch of the Bundaberg 4WD Club is a major supporter and said that it's a minority of misbehavers ruining it for everyone. Lynch said the activity is one of the most important memories he has of his late father. "My fondest memories growing up with my parents are camping. My father passed away last year; that's all I have of him now is that," he told The Project. "Being able to share that with my kids, it just helps them have those memories and keeps those memories alive." While acknowledging the cultural significance of four-wheel driving and camping on our beaches, Schlacher said some middle ground must be found. Calls grow for total 4WD ban on Australian beaches Drivers banned from popular 4WD beach after reckless act 4WD owners warned as tourist beach braces for imminent phenomenon "I'm not an advocate or a proponent for a blanket ban — never. But we can not actually continue [at this rate], which jeopardises what all of our kids want to enjoy in decades to come," he said. "We've got an incredible moral obligation to pass on ecosystems, and not dead piles of sand." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
23-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Calls for total 4WD ban on Australian beaches over 'serious and widespread damage'
Four-wheel-driving on beaches is a beloved pastime for many all around the country, particularly those living in coastal regions. But according to the results of a damning new Australian study, it's causing catastrophic damage to numerous forms of life. Research conducted by Queensland's University of the Sunshine Coast examined over 250 dune-dwelling species, including vegetation, birds and sea creatures, across 20 international studies. The findings revealed that 4WD activity is causing "unequivocal, serious and widespread damage" to coastal dune ecosystems. Lead author Thomas Schlacher said every dune species had suffered serious negative effects as a result of vehicles on the sand — particularly in hugely popular regions like Noosa, Rainbow Beach, K'gari and Bribie Island. Schlacher explained that invertebrates like pipis and crabs, which serve as key food sources for fish at high tide, are buried in the hard sand. However, 4WDs often fatally crush them. He said that turtle hatchlings are becoming trapped and disorientated in the grooves left by tyres, where eventually many die. It's something Jan Waters from Cooloola Coast Turtle Care recently spoke to Yahoo about. Based on the Sunshine Coast, she warned Aussies of the serious consequences of beach driving. "The hatchlings have to cross the deep 4WD tracks to reach the ocean [and] the tracks, created ... on the beach close to the dunes at high tide, are 25cm deep and 25cm wide," Waters told Yahoo. "The small hatchlings are only five centimetres, and once they're caught in the tracks, they will most likely perish." Waters encouraged drivers to travel on the hard, wet sand to ensure they leave behind no ruts. But according to the study, there's no "safe level" of beach driving. Schlacher said Queensland's southeast is among the worst affected areas when it comes to 4WD damage, with numerous species effectively being "pumelled" and "crushed to death". He said in Victoria, cars are already banned from beaches, and in NSW, authorities are currently having a "strong debate". In South Australia, access to some spots is becoming limited, which is something Queensland should consider, Schlacher argued. "The four-by-fours running over [marine species are] basically crush them to death. It only takes one vehicle to cause very, very severe impacts," he told the ABC. "That's a bit of a surprise because people often argue, 'Oh, all we have to do is regulate the volume of the traffic and we will be right.' The only thing which works is to get the cars off for sizeable proportions of the beach … at least half — that's a good starting point." Drivers banned from popular 4WD beach after reckless act New rules as camping banned after 'secret' 4WD beach exposed The wild move to crackdown on 4WD tourists along Aussie beaches Conservationists on Bribie Island are calling for a ban on 4WDs along a five-kilometre stretch of beach and the installation of gates to prevent access at high tide. With up to 1,200 vehicles on the sand in a single day, volunteers working to protect endangered loggerhead turtle nests say illegal dune driving is destroying their efforts. However, 4WD advocates oppose restrictions, highlighting their role in beach clean-ups and responsible driving initiatives. They point to compromises, such as seasonal night bans, as a potential middle ground. Queensland's Environment Minister Andrew Powell acknowledged the concerns but stressed the need for a balance between conservation and public access. "My job is to make sure we find the balance between conserving and protecting the environment and allowing people to get out there and enjoy it," he said. "I appreciate for many, they would love to see four-wheel drives off the beaches, but I for one can't see that as an outcome that would be acceptable." But Schlacher warned that urgent action is desperately needed, as delaying further will only exacerbate the damage. "South-east Queensland has probably the world's single strongest evidence base for serious harm caused by four-by-fours," he said."So we are basically in the driver's seat, here to make sensible decisions." Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Aussies watch on as remarkable phenomenon unfolds at popular beach
Conservationists are celebrating the arrival of 102 tiny, determined baby turtles, which emerged from their nests and scurried into the sea at a popular beloved east coast beach over the weekend. The incredible sight, which took place at Rainbow Beach in Queensland, is made all the more important due to the fact green turtles are listed as vulnerable in the state. While the species is not officially endangered, they face significant threats, including habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and accidental capture in fishing gear. Jan Waters from Cooloola Coast Turtle Care works tirelessly on the ground to the ensure the species' survival. Waters spoke to Yahoo News and shared her excitement at the fact every egg from the nest hatched, and each baby made its way safely into the ocean on Saturday, February 8. "It was great, it was the perfect nest," she told Yahoo News. "After each hatching, we do an egg count for research purposes. Generally, a nest incubates for 65 days. This nest was in the shade of the she-oaks, so it took a little longer — 76 days. "When we do the count, we note any live hatchlings left behind, any dead hatchlings, and any whole eggs still in the nest." When it comes to the whole eggs, Waters "opens each" to "see what stage of embryonic development they are". In this case, the nest was flawless. "102 shells, no live [hatchlings left behind], no dead, and no undeveloped eggs," she exclaimed. On average, only one in 1,000 hatchlings survive the journey from the nest to adulthood, with Rainbow Beach, like many other nesting sites in Australia, playing host to a range of natural predators such as ghost crabs, seagulls, and fish that target the babies during their journey. Queensland is home to some of the world's most significant green turtle nesting sites, particularly in the Great Barrier Reef and southern islands like Heron Island and Raine Island. These turtles play a crucial role in marine ecosystems by maintaining healthy seagrass beds and coral reefs, which support a wide variety of marine life. Tiny tracks on popular Aussie beach leads to incredible discovery 'Unusual' discovery at Aussie beach in broad daylight stuns locals Aussie 4WD owners warned as tourist beach braces for wild event Rising temperatures affect their reproduction, as warmer sands produce more female hatchlings, disrupting natural sex ratios. Protecting green turtles is essential not only for their survival but for preserving the delicate balance of ocean ecosystems that so many species, including humans, depend on. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
