Temporary beach closures help protect our turtles

The impact of vehicles on turtles nesting on Cable Beach will again be managed with night-time closures in place from early October.

The Cable Beach north access ramp will be closed to vehicles from 8pm to 6am each day during the turtle nesting season between 9 October 2018 and 25 February 2019. Cable Beach will also be closed to vehicles two hours either side of high tides of 9m or more.

Deputy Broome Shire President, Desiree Male, said the gate installed at the Cable Beach Amphitheatre access ramp would be locked during the temporary closures.

“The vehicle closure times are primarily at night and during the period when the beach is least used and turtle nesting season is underway,” Cr Male said.

“The main species nesting on Cable Beach is the Flatback Turtle, which is threatened and is protected under WA legislation.

“They generally nest at the top of the beach above the high tide mark where their nests can be damaged by vehicles compacting sand and crushing nests.

“Wheel ruts can also prevent hatchlings making their way to the water, and vehicle lights can disturb and confuse hatchlings.”

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions’ Yawuru Rangers will put protection signage at the front of turtle nests to help raise awareness.

The Cable Beach Turtle Monitoring program will also start on 1 November, with volunteers walking on Cable Beach early each morning to record signs of turtle nesting activity. More information is available through the Parks and Wildlife Service Broome Office on 9195 5500.

More information on vehicle access and driving techniques during turtle nesting season is available on the Shire website at the link below.