The City of South Perth has undertaken a project to create safe nesting sites for Oblong Turtles. Every Spring, female turtles journey out of McDougall Lake in the suburb of Manning and move into surrounding suburbs to find suitable nesting sites. Several busy roads surround the lake and its parkland, so the turtles are in danger of being injured or killed by traffic as the make their journey.
By creating suitable nesting sites closer to the lake, it is hoped the turtles will stop to nest and lay their eggs safely then return to the water without having to search for suitable spots outside the park. Murdoch University Honours student, Jacqueline Giles, recommended the new nesting sites as one of the easiest and cheapest ways to protect the turtles. She is studying a population of Oblong Turtles for her thesis.
Council’s Director Infrastructure Services, Glen Flood, believes the turtle nesting project was the first of its kind in a built up area.
“It is about demonstrating to people that the ecology in inner city areas is not dead – that wildlife can live and flourish alongside people,” Glen Flood said. “By being smart about how we develop and maintain parks, wetlands and other natural areas, we are able to protect native animals that live here.”
Members of a Work for the Dole team installed the nesting sites by mounding sand in excavated garden beds and planting natives to attract the turtles. Team Coordinator, Jason Prestedge, said the participants enjoyed being part of a positive environmental project.
“This sort of work gives them satisfaction, skills and a good idea of the type of work they prefer,” Jason Prestedge said.
For further information contact City of South Perth Manager Parks and Environment, Mark Taylor, email markt@ south perth.wa.gov.au
