Temporary fencing installed to protect turtle nesting areas at Geoffrey Bay

Townsville City Council has installed temporary fencing to protect the foreshore at Geoffrey Bay after it was damaged by vehicles.

Geoffrey Bay is made up of sensitive coastal habitat and vegetation and is a known turtle nesting area.

Community Health, Safety and Environmental Sustainability Committee chairperson Margie Ryder said it is disappointing to see people driving over the beach front and destroying the natural vegetation.

“We are so lucky to live in a place where we have an incredible natural environment with wildlife like the nesting turtles on our doorstep,” Cr Ryder said.

“But with people driving over our foreshores, leaving rubbish and lighting fires, the beaches have been damaged and it is unlikely that the turtles will be able to nest in many of the spots they have previously.”

Local Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said the temporary fencing is accompanied with signage restricting camping, fires, and vehicles on the beach front.

“It is disappointing that it has gotten to the stage that Council has had to install fences and signage to prevent people from doing the wrong thing at Geoffrey Bay,” Cr Greaney said.

“The installation of the restrictive signage – along with the temporary fencing – means that Council can take action against people that are blatantly disregarding the rules.

“I want our beaches to remain beautiful well into the future and I want the turtles to keep returning here to nest, so we will be looking at more permanent options to protect the Bay and I’d like to thank the community for their support in this.”