Haven for turtles introduced at Springfield Wetland

In a first for the Central Coast, members of Springfield Residents Association are introducing their citizen science project on Thursday, October 10 – a turtle island habitat at Springfield Wetland.

The turtle island concept has been developed by the 1 Million Turtles Community Conservation Program in association with University of Western Sydney and partner universities and agencies.

It is a national community conservation citizen science program promoting strong collaboration between scientists and the community to support initiatives aimed at conserving threatened Australian freshwater turtle species.

Springfield Wetland is considered highly suitable for the 1 Million Turtles citizen science project due to its location, proximity to universities and schools, and community interest in the wetland.

Associate Professor Dr Ricky Spencer has visited Springfield Wetland on several occasions as locals prepared for the launch on Thursday.

Glenys Ray, advocate for the wetland and its inhabitants, said the community was very excited about this venture and hoped other wetlands on the Central Coast might decide to follow this initiative.

“The island will include a nesting box for turtles to lay their eggs out of reach of foxes which are notorious egg predators,” she said.

“It is hoped that this initiative will enable the turtles to continue to survive into the future.

“Habitat destruction and predation of eggs by foxes are the two biggest threats locally which is why efforts to ensure their survival are critical.

“Freshwater turtles have a very important role to play in the ecosystem,” Ray said.

Eastern long-necked (Chelodina longicollis) and Murray River short neck (Emydura macquarii) turtles call Springfield Wetland home and the hope is that they will not only be able to lay their eggs, but that they will have a ramped platform for sunning themselves.

“The turtles at this site are already incredible survivors and locals considered it miraculous when they appeared after several years in completedarkness and with low oxygen levels when the wetland was blanketed by a dense layer of noxious aquatic weeds,” Ray said.

“Once the Council cleared about one metre of weed, they suddenly appeared on the weir.”

Ray said that Central Coast Council gave approval for this venture on the condition that the island design used was portable and could be easily removed in future.

“The island will arrive on a box trailer, ready for decoration with plants donated by Council, plus driftwood and other natural vegetation, and once ready it will be launched into the wetland by volunteers and Adam Crouch,” she said.

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch supported a funding application by Springfield Residents Association through the State Government Community Building Partnership.

Funding provided will also enable a community celebration in coming weeks at the wetland where the community will have an opportunity to learn about the wetland and the turtle island.

Citizen science data will be easily provided through the use of TurtleSAT via a QR code by means of their mobile phones.