Design features at the North Queensland Export Terminal north of Bowen are ensuring turtle hatchlings see the light as nature intended.

Abbot Point Operations manages the operations and maintenance of the multi-billion-dollar facility and has incorporated “turtle-friendly” amber lighting on terminal infrastructure visible from the ocean, to allow hatchlings a smoother path to the sea.

Abbot Point Operations General Manager Damien Dederer said the specially designed lighting was just one example of how smart thinking and smart technology supported ecosystems to thrive around an operating port.

“The North Queensland Export Terminal is one of Queensland’s busiest ports, exporting about the same total volumes as the Port of Brisbane did in the last Financial Year,” Mr Dederer said.

“The greater Port of Abbot Point area is also home to green and flatback sea turtles and these species return annually to use nearby beaches for nesting.

“Caring for the environment is a core part of our commitment to the safe and efficient operation of the North Queensland Export Terminal so we have installed turtle-friendly amber coloured light rather than white light on the Terminal’s infrastructure.

“This minimises the potential for our operations to interfere with nature and is a great example of how to deliver environmental benefits alongside a high traffic port.”

Moonlight plays an important role in turtle breeding behaviour and the early instincts of hatchlings.

Sea turtles avoid nesting on beaches that are too brightly lit and new hatchlings can become disorientated and unable to find the ocean where artificial light sources create interference.

Turtle hatchlings emerge from nests at night and make their way towards the sea using moonlight reflecting off the ocean.

The special lighting used at the North Queensland Export Terminal minimises impacts on the hatchlings’ first journey.

The lights are also placed in areas to prevent glow encroaching into nearby habitats and the amber lighting is beneficial to the movement and behaviour of other wildlife including echidnas and migratory birds.

The project was implemented through a partnership with both the Queensland Government and local community stakeholders.

The North Queensland Export Terminal is Australia’s most northern coal terminal, located 25 kilometres north of Bowen, between Mackay and Townsville.

A record 34.7 million tonnes of metallurgical and thermal coal was exported through the Terminal last financial year, which is about 17 per cent of Queensland’s total coal exports.

ENDS

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