RESTORE PROTECTIONS FOR TURTLES AT THE ADANI PORT AT ABBOT POINT

Your government has axed eight environmental conditions aimed at protecting vulnerable turtle species set to be affected by Adani's proposed $3 billion coal terminal expansion at Abbot Point in Queensland. Please restore these environmental conditions that product turtles affected by the coal terminal expansion at Abbot Point as part of the building of the massive coal mine by Adani in Queensland. The beaches at Abbot Point are crucial nesting sites and foraging sites for green and flatback turtles. Both of these species are listed as vulnerable under Federal and Queensland law. These animals are already suffering due to the coral bleaching and other damage in the reef. Substantial areas of the Great Barrier Reef and the surrounding ecosystems are experiencing major long-term damage which may be irreversible unless action is taken now. Further, on completion of the port, turtle hatchlings will be placed at huge risk. With the construction of the port, 24 hour noise and lights will be there to confuse and frighten the turtles, perhaps driving them from their nesting rituals forever. If baby turtles do successfully hatch, they are normally guided by moonlight towards the relative safety of the sea. If daylight arrives and they haven't made the water, they're sitting ducks for hungry birds and other predators. These things make it critical to restore the protections for the turtles.