Magnetic Island visitors and residents can do their part for citizen science with two new CoastSnap stands at Nelly Bay and Geoffrey Bay.
CoastSnap gives visitors to both locations the chance to snap a photo of the coastline to monitor changes to the beaches. Images can be shared using a free app or via social media.
The stand at Nelly Bay is ready for use, with a second stand expected to be in place at Geoffrey Bay this July.
Acting Mayor and division three representative Ann-Maree Greaney said both Nelly Bay and Geoffrey Bay were important ecological sites.
"Storms, tides and people can all impact our beaches, wildlife and vegetation, so it's important we keep an eye on the health of these areas," Cr Greaney said.
"Nelly Bay and Geoffrey Bay both experience major erosion, with Nelly Bay undergoing sand replenishment annually.
"These bays are both known flatback turtle nesting locations. These animals are listed as 'vulnerable' under the Australian Commonwealth's Endangered Species Protection Act, so it's important that we do our part to support their life cycle and protect their precious nesting habitat.
"With the installation of the CoastSnap stands our teams and local organisations like Envite will be able to collect data on the ways in which our coastlines are changing over time."
Envite regional manager North Queensland Natasha Rodwell said the project was a step forward in protecting Townsville's coastal environment.
"By encouraging locals and visitors to participate in this simple action, we're building a shared understanding of how dynamic our coastlines are and how we can all play a role in preserving them for future generations," Ms Rodwell said.
"CoastSnap empowers communities to take stewardship of their local beaches by contributing real-time data that directly supports the sustainable management of our precious coastlines."
She said CoastSnap stations gave residents and visitors the chance to be part of a real coastal science project to help improve the management and protection of North Queensland's shorelines.
"This project is about turning everyday beach visits into something meaningful. With just a quick photo, people become part of the solution to understanding and managing coastal change," she said.
"CoastSnap is a great example of how smart, low-cost technology and community spirit can work together to tackle big environmental challenges.
"The coast is constantly changing — and now, thanks to CoastSnap, we have a living archive of those changes, created by the community, for the community.
"Healthy coastlines are vital not just for people, but for wildlife, including our local sea turtles. Every photo taken through CoastSnap helps us better understand and protect the beaches they rely on to nest.
"The more we understand our coast, the better we can protect it, for ourselves and for species like sea turtles that depend on these beaches to survive."
To use the CoastSnap stands:
- Create a free CoastSnap App account or use the QR code located at the CoastSnap site.
- Visit a CoastSnap location.
- Place your phone in the cradle and take a landscape photograph.
- Complete the 'update spot' form in the app and hit 'save'.
