A NEW turtle rehabilitation centre on the Fraser Coast will be among three beneficiaries of this year’s University of the Sunshine Coast ‘Giving Day’.
The annual fundraising event – being held tomorrow, 7 September – will also focus on helping those who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and students experiencing financial difficulties.
NOW READ: Researchers and rescuers join forces to help turtles in trouble
The institution said ‘Giving Day’ reminded communities members that no matter the challenges faced, people have the power to make a difference in their immediate spheres.
University of the Sunshine Coast marine biologist, Dr Kathy Townsend said a turtle rehabilitation centre on the Fraser Coast was a much-needed facility.
ALSO READ: Fraser Coast residents urged to help protect turtle hatchlings
“As extreme as 2022 has been for many of us humans, the current amount of sea grass to sustain Fraser Coast turtles is just one per cent of pre-flood levels,” Dr Townsend said.
“We are really starting to see the impact. We had 200 turtles stranded in six months in 2022 and usually we would only see 15 sea turtles over the same period.
“The situation is only predicted to get worse because these are the months turtles should have been fattening up and the fear is we are going to see a lot more strandings and deaths later this year.”
At the moment, any turtle found on the Fraser Coast that requires rehabilitation needs to be transported some 3.5 hours by car to the nearest facility.
WATCH: Students rescue sick sea turtle off Hervey Bay
“The probability of turtles surviving is currently much less than if they could be treated immediately,” Dr Townsend said.
If you would like to make a contribution to any of the UniSC “Giving Day’ campaigns, click here for more information and to make a donation.
Hashtags: #goodnewsfrasercoast | #frasercoastnews | #frasercoast | #finditfrasercoast
Keywords: Good News Fraser Coast | Fraser Coast News | Hervey Bay news | Maryborough news | Find it Fraser Coast