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SOS: Community support needed to rebuild turtle rescue camp damaged by big wet - 31/01/08
The Wilderness Society, Cape York Turtle Rescue and the Mapoon Community Council are calling on all Queenslanders to make a donation to help rebuild Cape York Turtle Rescue, a unique marine turtle research and visitor camp on western Cape York Peninsula.
A baby turtle at the Cape York Turtle Rescue site. Photo: Cape York Turtle Rescue
Cape York Turtle Rescue, nestled next to one Cape York's many wild rivers, has been badly damaged by this year's massive wet season. Since the start of 2008, more than 1 1/2 metres of rain has fallen on the camp, and king tides have wreaked even further damage to the site.
Mapoon Council Mayor Mr Peter Guivarra said: "There is severe erosion, damage to the crocodile barrier fencing, kitchen/dining area and the 12v power network and back-up generator, plus a lot of minor damage."
"The huge tides, pushed by Cyclone Helen, have also dumped hundreds of discarded Asian fishing nets which entangle dozens of the endangered species of turtle. The community and the Mapoon rangers predict a very busy year ahead and the camp site will certainly be ready for the 2008 turtle laying season."
The Wilderness Society is calling on Queenslanders to help rebuild the Cape York Turtle Rescue camp, where visitors work the Traditional Owners and the local community to protected threatened marine turtles on these remote beaches. A small donation can go a long way to continue this excellent work.
The Wilderness Society has started the ball rolling by pledging $1500 to help rebuild the camp.
Renowned Cape York photographer, Kerry Trapnell, has also pledged $1000 to assist in the restoration.
You can make a donation by direct deposit into the Cape York Turtle Rescue Account: Cape York Turtle Donations, Westpac Bank BSB 032 059 account number 217243, and cheques can be made out to Cape York Turtles, PO Box 3352, Bangor, 2234. Please remember to add the word "donations" in your deposit form.