Sculpture appeal for Bribie's turtles

Pictured: BIEPA-affiliated turtle trackers who patrol Bribie's beaches during the summer months.

Bribie Island’s largest human sculpture will be created next month to highlight and draw attention to the start of the turtle nesting season.

BIEPA (Bribie Island Environmental Protection Association) hopes to have more than 120 people help form the giant sculpture at Woorim next month.

It will help educate beach users about endangered turtle populations which are about to start using Bribie Island 's beaches to nest.

BIEPA also has volunteer turtle trackers - described as 'environmental heroes' - who patrol for months helping nests and hatchlings survive.

An aerial picture will be taken of the sculpture on Woorim Beach, by the Edwin Schrag Lookout, from 12.30-2.30pm on Sunday December 4.

Take responsibility

“The idea is to show the beach supported by people who are aware of the importance of nesting turtles,” BIEPA President Richard Ogden said.

“It’s a really exciting time. We want to work with all levels of government - and the public - to look after it and care for it.

“We need drivers on the beach to acknowledge the turtles and what an opportunity visitors and residents have. If we neglect it, it will be gone.

“We want to work with 4WD motorists and for them to take responsibility when on the beach. Only use the hard sand, don’t go there at night or do donuts in the dunes.”

In 2021 Mr Ogden was part of the team that obtained 29,000 signatures on a petition Save Bribie's Turtles and was instrumental in getting the petition tabled in State Parliament.

Re-imagine Bribie

Mr Ogden said earlier this year BIEPA needs to work closely with traditional owners and the aboriginal community.

It should “embrace all Bribie Islanders” and work with government decision-makers, on all three levels, to “re-imagine” Bribie as a leader in "environmental care and active reconciliation”.

This year BIEPA, founded 45 years ago, has also held fundraising events, tree planting, regular rubbish clean ups and promoted nature tourism.

Numbers are also increasing at the group’s monthly public meetings held at Bribie RSL.

For more information on BIEPA click here