Sea Turtle Sensitive Area Overlay Code

The Sea Turtle Sensitive Area Overlay Code from the Queensland Government is a regulatory framework designed to protect sea turtle habitats and nesting sites along the Queensland coast. This overlay code imposes specific requirements and restrictions on development activities within designated sea turtle sensitive areas to minimise disturbance to these endangered species.

The code typically includes guidelines for managing artificial lighting, beachfront development, coastal vegetation, and other factors that can impact sea turtle nesting behaviour and survival. For instance, it may include provisions for reducing light pollution to prevent disorientation of hatchlings, as well as requirements for setback distances for development near nesting beaches.

WAVES Testing, Research and Consulting is a company that specialises in measurement of light, particularly in the field of environmental conservation. We can assist with various aspects of development application preparation, lighting design guidance, and review, as well as conducting light audits to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and best practices for sea turtle conservation.

Here’s how WAVES can help:

1. Development Application Preparation: WAVES provides expertise in preparing development applications that comply with the Sea Turtle Sensitive Area Overlay Code. They can assess the proposed development plans and provide recommendations for mitigating potential impacts on sea turtle habitats.
2. Lighting Design Guidance: WAVES offers guidance on designing lighting systems that minimize disturbance to sea turtles. This may include recommending the use of shielded fixtures, low-intensity lighting, smart control technology, and proper placement of lights to reduce glare and prevent light pollution on nesting beaches.
3. Review and Compliance: WAVES reviews development plans and lighting designs to ensure they meet the requirements of the overlay code and other relevant regulations and guidelines. They can also provide advice on modifications or alternative approaches to achieve compliance while minimizing impacts on development objectives.
4. Light Audits: WAVES conducts on-site light audits to assess the existing lighting conditions and identify potential sources of light pollution that may affect sea turtle nesting areas. They can then provide recommendations for retrofitting or upgrading lighting fixtures to reduce impacts on sea turtles.

Overall, WAVES Testing, Research and Consulting can play a crucial role in helping developers navigate the regulatory requirements for sea turtle protection and ensure that development activities are conducted in a manner that is compatible with the conservation of these iconic marine species. We aim to achieve the right balance between functionality, impact, and cost.

Contact us to discuss your development.