A stand of native trees is set to be removed from a foreshore area in a bid to improve a turtle nesting site.
Sunshine Coast Council will this week clear cottonwood trees to create more space for critically endangered loggerhead turtles to lay their eggs at northern Shelly Beach.
The council’s environmental operations manager Adam Connell said the project would involve reprofiling and restoring the dunes to improve conditions for nesting turtles.
“To do this we are using a best-practice approach that incorporates advice from the technical experts at the Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation and the Queensland Herbarium for dune and vegetation to enhance turtle nesting habitat,” he said.
“Cottonwood trees are encroaching on the turtle nesting habitat and the turtles can’t access some sections of foredune to lay their nests due to the dense coverage and root system.
“Native cottonwood trees are a part of the typical dunal ecosystem found along our coastline.
“Here at Shelly they have an unusual growth pattern which extends to the frontal dune.
“So, this project involves using machines to remove some cottonwood stands in the foredune and restoring the dunes to a condition that provides the best opportunity for turtle nesting success.
“The foredune will be replanted with spinifex and native ground covers that better represent the group of plants you would expect to find in this dunal environment.
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“Further back in the dunes, native trees and shrubs will be planted to help fill in the gaps and block light – both direct light and sky glow from distant lights – shining onto the beach.
“This will help to create a dark horizon which is very important for turtle sea-finding behaviour.
“This pilot project is a trial and if successful it could be rolled out to other areas of Shelly Beach foreshore.”
The work will take place at the end of William Street, between beach accesses 277 and 278.
“We thank our community for their patience as we work to nurture and enhance our environment for this endangered species,” Mr Connell said.
The council said it had received local, state and Australian government approvals required to undertake the work, which is being done outside of turtle nesting season.
The project is aligned with the outcomes of the Shelly Beach to Moffat Beach coastal study, which was informed by feedback from the community, industry and government experts.
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