Page 4 - Best Of Local Mag May24 Edition

Environment Matters:

Rotary-ESRAG Family Turtle Expo Day

Hundreds of locals and visitors attended the ESRAG portfolio) opened the event. She affirmed that collaboration
(Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group) between Local Government Areas would address the
event at Queens Beach North (Scarborough) on Saturday, concerted management of ‘fragmented habitats’ and improve
April 20. The weather held up and everyone enjoyed the ‘biodiversity continuity’ throughout South East Queensland.
morning sunshine by the water. Councillor Karl Winchester assisted Andrew Evans and Ryan
Hurley (Environmental Services) in fielding visitors questions
Michael Connelly (Dreamtime Kullilla-Art) welcomed on Council’s environmental and conservation initiatives.
everyone to ‘saltwater country’ and bush tucker aficionado,
Bruce Phillips (Murri Tukka) shared his delicacies. The less All in all, an informative and fun time was had by all.
adventurous enjoyed the ‘sausage sizzle’.
Scarborough local and ESRAG Oceania Director, Colin Scobie
Skylah Dick (Kids Capers Childcare) ensured the children thanked those who attended the event and those who made
did not miss out and Dianne Oxenford (Bribie Island Turtle the event possible. He also said he would be happy if the
Trackers) simulated a turtle egg hunt (ping pong balls) in the local community turned out in similar numbers later in the
sand for the youngsters. year (November) for Family Dugong Expo Day.

Bond University’s Darryl McPhee, Associate Professor and
author of the Environmental History and Ecology of Moreton
Bay, shared his insight on turtles. Elvis Okoffo (Queensland
Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences) commented
“that most plastic rubbish found in the sea comes from the
land.”

Seaborne plastic poses a threat to marine life. Plastic bags
can suffocate turtles or create fatal blockages in their guts.
Karen Catterall and Vivien Harris (ESRAG members) displayed
a large turtle effigy made from debris including plastic
typically seen on the Peninsula’s beaches every day.

‘Expo Day’ was supported by a grant from the City of Moreton
Bay Council. Councillor Kath Tonks (Healthy Environments