Ergon Energy installing new street lights for turtle power

turtle

Ergon Energy Network will soon be replacing more than 200 new lights to give turtle hatchlings along the Bundaberg coastline a better chance of survival.

The program, set to start in the coming weeks, is a partnership with the Bundaberg Regional Council that replaces streetlights that are potentially disruptive to turtle hatchlings as they make their way to the ocean, with more energy efficient LED lights.

Executive general manager community, customer and corporate affairs Michael Dart said light from the mainland caused many hatchlings to take their first tentative steps in-land rather than towards the ocean.

Ergon Energy
Mayor Jack Dempsey and Michael Dart with the new turtle friendly lighting to be installed in Bargara

“This means the survival rate for hatchlings becoming adult turtles and for the females to return to our coastline to breed should increase by managing another risk they face,” he said.

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“As a volunteer at Mon Repos in my high school years, I’m really proud to support the Sea Turtle Alliance and the Bundaberg Regional Council with this significant cash and in-kind partnership worth more than $100-thousand dollars for this initiative. It builds on trials we have done with lighting over the last few years.

“It’s vital we do everything possible to ensure as many of the hatchlings as possible at least get to start their journey safely and we’re urging coastal residents and businesses to also play their part.”

Mayor Jack Dempsey welcomed the announcement, which he said had been a shared goal that Council and Ergon had worked towards through the Reducing Urban Glow partnership.

“We all know that protecting marine life along our coastline takes a whole of community approach so it’s terrific to see one of our industry leaders in Ergon Energy taking this important step,” Mayor Dempsey said.

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“If we all work together on the small changes we can make, we will make a big difference.

“Importantly these new energy-efficient LED streetlights will provide positive environmental outcomes along with cost savings for the Bundaberg Region community, with the potential for broader rollout of smart technology.”

Ergon Energy Network is also working closely with Bundaberg Regional Council on where there are opportunities to add greater control of the street lights with smart controllers that will dim or turn off lights as required.

Mayor Dempsey said Council was keen to trial the use of the smart enabled lighting and discover how it could be implemented to provide a balance between conservation and lifestyle.

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