Usually the nesting season is finished by now,  electric fences are removed and  nest protection gear collected. Not so this season. The first nesting occured mid October following our first spring rain. Next to no rain fell in spring and early summer, consequently no nesting during this period. Fortunately for 6 females who were still carrying eggs, it rained just before Christmas. Feb is our wettest month so we’ll have to keep an eye on the height of the Mary River in case a nest or two needs to be relocated. We estimate at least 180 hatchlings successfully emerged from their nests from the first laying. There could be another 90 still incubating.

Title: Tiaro Landcare Meeting
Location: Tiaro Primary School
Description: First meeting for the year - hear an update on turtle nesting during the 09/10 season.
Start Time: 19:30
Date: 2010-02-17

Our project featured in a great article & photo in Thursdays Courier Mail (distributed throughout Queensland). “First there was the tiny little foot pushing back grains of sand and then a small pointed nose, followed by a glimpse of a shiny shell…..” Was amazing to watch this little fellow in the wild dig his/her way out of the nest.

If you’re interested to find out more about turtle activities undertaken by Tiaro Landcare,  follow this link to the report  mrt-report-2008-09-on-line-version1

Title: DamOff party - Mary Xmas
Location: Kandanga Recreation Ground
Description: Tiaro Landcare will be celebrating a Mary Xmas with the rest of the Mary Valley community
Date: 2009-12-12

Title: Traveston Dam gets Final NO
Description: Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett has determined that the impacts of the proposed dam on threatened species would be too great.
Date: 2009-12-02

Quotes from Media Release by Hon Peter Garrett, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts

“I have concluded that the Traveston Crossing Dam cannot go ahead without unacceptable impacts on matters of national environmental significance” Mr Garrett said.  “As I stated when I made my proposed decision on this project, all of my decisions under the national environment law are based primarily on science, and the science is very clear about the adverse impacts this project would have on the nationally protected Australian lungfish, Mary River turtle and Mary River Cod. The independent expert advice and the advice from my department clearly show the Traveston Dam proposal would lead to serious and irreversible consequences for these species and most likely, would lead to their further decline.”

Scientific reports can be viewed at the department’s website: www.environment.gov.au/epbc

Mary River turtle nesting season has commenced. To date 25 nests have been recorded. However we are experiencing an extremely dry period without rain, which has resulted in no nests being laid since early October.

Nov 11 took on a new signficance for the Mary River and the people and creatures who live in the catchment. The Federal Environment Minister Garrett rejected the proposed Traveston Crossing Dam based on the “unacceptable impact” it would have on threatened species including the Mary River turtle and Australian lungfish. Minister Garrett said “I’m not satisfied that the impact on the long term survival would be adequately addressed by mitigation and offset measures proposed.” Proponents have 10 days to appeal, we expect a final decision about the 21st Nov., however the Queensland Premier seems unlikely to appeal. The Mary River turtle, a river specialist, can continue to live out their days without the looming threat of a dam.

Title: NO DAM
Description: Environment Minister Peter Garrett says NO to the proposed Traveston Dam
Date: 2009-11-11