- The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments deliver $820,000 for seven organisations to boost turtle populations in Queensland.
- Since 2014, an estimated 2.5 million hatchlings have begun their life journey under the Nest to Ocean Turtle Protection Program.
- The $12-million program is jointly funded by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments.
The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments are delivering more than $820,000 in funding to boost turtle populations in Queensland.
The Nest to Ocean Turtle Protection Program has delivered funding for seven organisations from Cairns to the Wide Bay to support their work to safeguard Queensland's threatened marine turtle populations through innovative predator control and nest protection measures.
Jointly funded by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments, grants of up to $120,000 were available for projects that are aimed at maintaining, adapting, and strengthening existing management efforts at key nesting beaches.
Queensland is home to six of the world's seven marine turtle species, all of which are considered threatened due to climate change, habitat loss, and predation.
Since the program was introduced in 2014, more than 40,000 turtle nests have been monitored, and 90 per cent of eggs have hatched through predator control and direct nest protection measures.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said the program was an important part in the Albanese Government's efforts to protect endangered and vulnerable species on the Reef.
"The Albanese Government is safeguarding the Great Barrier Reef and the species that call it home," Minister Watt said.
"Traditional Owners have been caring for the Reef for thousands of years and we're committed to investing in their knowledge and experience.
"Through this program, projects are using cutting-edge predator control and nest protection measures to ensure turtle hatchlings have the best chance of survival.
"Together with the Queensland Government, scientists, and project delivery partners, we're protecting the Reef and those that depend on it for generations to come.
"The Albanese Government is proud to have invested a record $1.2 billion to protect and restore the Great Barrier Reef."
Queensland Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the Nest to Ocean program was delivering real conservation results.
"Since 2014, protecting nests from feral pigs and foxes has helped more than 2.5 million turtle hatchlings reach the ocean," Minister Powell said.
"Feral animal control and nest protection are essential to the long-term survival of marine turtles in Queensland.
"Healthy turtle populations strengthen biodiversity and support nature-based tourism across regional Queensland.
"We will continue investing in proven, on-ground action to protect these iconic species."
