If you observe a sick, injured, orphaned or deceased animal, report to the QLD Government Wildlife Hotline on 1300 130 372, alternatively download the FREE QWildlife app on your device via the Apple Store or Google Play.
The Gladstone Region is home to a diverse variety of native bird species. When native bird species have eggs or young in their nest, a small percentage can become protective and may swoop people entering their nesting territory. Conversely, other species are opportunistic and may swoop for a regular food source or by inadvertently by attacking their own reflections. The breeding season for most swooping birds is July to November, peaking between August to October. Typically, individual birds swoop for between six and eight weeks and generally stop following the departure of their young from their nest.
The native species most commonly known to swoop include:
- Australian Magpies
- Masked Lapwing (Plover)
- Butcherbirds
- Torresian Crows
- Magpie-Lark (Peewee)
- Kookaburras
It is a serious offence to harm or interfere with native Australian birds, as they are protected under State Wildlife Legislation (Nature Conservation Act 1992). As such, it is a serious offence to harm, take, keep or move them, unless authorised under the NCA or a Damage Mitigation Permit (DMP) is obtained for a relocation to be conducted by an authorised person or local authority. Hefty fines can be imposed on anyone found to be in contravention of the Act.
Native species are protected for many reasons:
- They prey on insects, lawn grubs, and spiders
- They contribute to the agriculture and gardens in some areas, as they feed on pest insects
- They contribute to and are necessary for maintaining biodiversity.
Swooping typically occurs during breeding season. Research suggests aggressive swooping occurs when the birds have had previous negative interactions with humans, for example, stones or sticks thrown at them, their chicks or nests.
The best way to avoid being swooped is to:
- Avoid the area by finding an alternative route by consulting the Gladstone Regional Council Swooping Birds Map or https://www.magpiealert.com/
- Protect yourself by wearing a broad-brimmed hat or using an umbrella, glasses and by holding your school bag above your head
- Team up with others and walk in a group
- Dismount and walk if you are riding your bike and attach a flag on a long pole to your bike
- Do not interfere with the birds, their young or their nests
- Do not provoke the swooping bird by yelling, throwing objects or fighting back
- Report swooping birds to Council
Many methods have been used in an attempt to deter swooping birds with varying success. A new method is outlined in this article from the ABC. Regardless of what deterrents are used, swoops will still occur. The best action is to follow the above suggestions.
Council manages swooping birds by providing community awareness, information, undertaking swooping bird assessments, and implementing an appropriate response on Council-controlled land.
To report magpies, complete and submit the online form or phone Council on (07) 4970 0700.
Relocation and removal
When swooping birds are required to be relocated, a new male typically moves in within a short period of time to protect the chicks. Therefore, relocation of an aggressive male may only be a short-term solution and actually may prolong the duration of territorial behaviour.
Where an aggressive magpie is required to be relocated, the bird needs to be captured and released at least 50km away to prevent the animal from returning to its original territory.
As crows are highly intelligent, it is impractical and near impossible to trap a crow. Additionally, research shows that attempts to move crows (such as nest relocation) often increase aggression, and the pair more often than not will return to their original breeding area.
Stay safe from swooping Magpies
Swooping bird hotspot webmap
This map is provided for the community to identify and view swooping bird locations. Council does not monitor points and information added to the map.
View webmap in browser
How to change the map to satellite imagery
- Click the button at the top left of the page, under the search bar. This will open the map layers.
- Click the check-box/es that say "Swooping Birds 2024", "Base Layers", “Gladstone Area 2023”, “Agnes Area 2022, or “Whole Region 2023” (please note, enabling satellite imagery may take longer to load the map)
How to add a swooping bird point
- Navigate to the area where you have seen a bird swooping. You may do this by manually clicking and dragging the map, or by entering the address where the bird was seen into the search bar at the top-left of the page.
- Click the button at the top left of the page, under the search bar. This will open the map editing tool.
- Click the button within the tool that opens, so that it highlights blue.
- Click on the map to drop a point where you observed a swooping bird.
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A set of brief questions will pop up as you place a point, including what happened (please include the species of bird that was swooping), and the date and time of day you saw the swooping.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I protect my children?
By ensuring your children are wearing appropriate headwear (helmets, hats, umbrellas), eyewear (glasses, sunglasses), and clothing. When riding a bike, it has been noticed that nuisance birds swoop less when cyclists dismount and walk through an area. Attaching cable ties to helmets can help with the birds not getting too close to the children. Supervising your children, particularly around food, as this may provoke some species to swoop. Planning your journey so that areas of concern can be avoided where possible. You may need to avoid using a park or public venue for a while.
What does Council do?
Following the notification of a swooping bird on public land, Council may conduct a risk-based swooping bird assessment. Following the assessment, mitigation measures such as signage and public awareness through online mapping may be implemented. Public signage is placed within a 150m radius from the nest, and magpies generally swoop for between six and eight weeks within 100m of their nests for walkers and 150m radius for cyclists. The approach will be varied depending on the circumstances, species, and location of the swooping bird.
What can I do about a swooping bird on my property?
Council does not manage wildlife on private property or state-controlled land. Licenced relocators can be engaged directly by the landowner for a nominated fee.
The Torresian Crow is a native Australian bird that plays an important role in natural pest control, preying on insects and mice around crops, woodlands, and suburban gardens. Crows also help to remove roadkill and disperse native seeds.
The availability of food scraps in residential areas can sometimes encourage crows to become dependent on artificial food sources, which may increase their numbers unnaturally and create a nuisance.
Throughout Autumn, crows form flocks made up of mostly young unpaired birds and share a common roost site, usually a cluster of large gum trees. The combined calls of a flock of crows can make a roost site a very noisy place. These roost sites will fluctuate in numbers throughout the year as the crows pair off and find breeding territories, leaving few resident crows in the area. Sometimes, a flock of crows will suddenly take residence in a new area or persist at their roosting site instead of moving on. This often indicates a food supply nearby; if the food supply is reduced, the crow numbers will follow.
Take the following measures to ensure noisy crows don’t become an issue in your area:
- Ensure garbage bin lids are kept closed and not overflowing with rubbish
- Do not feed crows or leave scraps of food or rubbish lying around
- Remove pet food from backyards
- Be understanding of increased noise during the breeding season, between August and February.
Remember, crows are protected under state legislation, and it is illegal to harm or kill crows or interfere with their nests or eggs.
Flying-foxes are winged mammals that feed on the nectar, pollen and fruit from a variety of native and introduced plants. As such, they play an important role in flower pollination and long-distance seed dispersal. These social animals roost in camps that are important resting places, along with mating and the rearing of young.
Habitat loss and the resulting lack of food and shelter has led flying-foxes to roost and forage in urban areas. Human-Flying-fox conflict may arise because of issues such as noise, odour and droppings.
Flying-foxes are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992; however, local governments have the authority to undertake roost management within defined areas. There are a number of factors to consider before taking management action, including the likelihood of the roost relocating to a site of greater conflict.
Regional Flying-fox Management Plan(PDF, 4MB)
Statement of Management Intent(PDF, 755KB)
Living with Flying-Foxes(PDF, 3MB)
Council undertakes monthly monitoring of flying-fox roosts to help improve our understanding of their populations and movements. Monitoring results can be viewed on the Australian Flying-Fox Monitor.
Council has secured funding from the Queensland Government’s Flying-Fox Roost Management Local Government Grants Program to help residents and businesses better coexist with flying-foxes. The program aims to mitigate and reduce the impacts of flying-fox roosts on the community while ensuring the long-term conservation of these important protected species.
Council recognises the need to balance public amenity and the ecological importance of flying-foxes. This grant program provides practical assistance to households and businesses experiencing challenges related to nearby flying-fox roosts.
What the funding supports
Funding helps cover the cost of products and services that reduce common impacts such as:
- Noise
- Droppings
- Odour
- Vegetation damage
Mitigation support may include:
- Car covers
- Clothesline covers
- High-pressure washers
- Double-glazing or sound proofing
- Tree trimming or removal
- Shade structures
- Other similar protective or cleaning equipment
We understand every situation is unique. As funding is limited, each application will be thoughtfully assessed and prioritised based on individual circumstances, ensuring support is directed where it’s needed most.
How to apply
You can apply for the Living with Flying-Fox (LWFF) Program now. To apply, download and complete the application form. Email your application and supporting documents to info@gladstone.qld.gov.au.
Applications close, Sunday, 29 March 2026.
Download the Application form(PDF, 371KB) Download the Payment Request form(PDF, 237KB) Download the Program guidelines(PDF, 5MB)
Common questions and answers about flying-foxes
Where can I go to see flying-foxes?
Flying-fox ‘fly outs’ are spectacular events, especially when many flying-foxes are visiting. Refer to the Australian Flying-Fox Monitor to learn where your closest roost is, and if it is occupied.
Fly-out is typically between 5.40pm – 6.10pm. Be sure to not stand too close to the roost trees during fly out and stay quiet/still until they have left (as to not scare them).
When visiting a roost during the day (‘bat watching’), remember that most flying-foxes will be trying to sleep – bring binoculars or a good camera to watch the flying-foxes without needing to get too close/scaring them.
What should I do if I’ve found a flying-fox on the ground or alone during the day, away from the main roost
A flying-fox on the ground or separated from the main roost is often a sign that something is wrong. During starvation events, many flying-foxes lose the energy to fly back to their roost, and risk being stranded and unable to feed.
Please do not handle the animal, contact the RSPCA on 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) or your local wildlife care group for collection by a trained and vaccinated wildlife carer.
What can I do if someone is harming flying-foxes or disturbing a roost without authority?
Permanent flying-fox roosts are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and it is an offence to destroy a roost, drive away flying-foxes from a roost or disturb a roost unless authorised by DETSI. Disturbing a roost without authority is an offence under state legislation, risks worsening impacts to the community and can be harmful to flying-fox welfare. If you witness a suspected offence, please report the incident with as much detail as possible to DETSI by completing the form here.
Several Australian ecosystems rely on flying-foxes for pollination and seed dispersal, so by helping flying-foxes, you can help the ecosystems they service.
You can help flying-foxes by:
- Planting native fruiting and flowering plants – Figs (Ficus sp.), Gum trees (Eucalyptus sp.), Bloodwoods (Corymbia sp.), Paperbarks (Melaleuca sp.), Lilly-pillies (Syzygium sp.) and Grevillea (Grevillea sp.) are their favourites.
- Removing poisonous/harmful weeds from your garden (especially Cocos palms)
- Removing excess mangoes and/or thinning mango tree branches; mangoes have a poor nutritional quality compared to native fruit and may cause digestive upset for young flying-foxes.
- Removing or modifying barbed wire fencing to be wildlife friendly (e.g. replace top strand with plain wire, or add visibility tape to the top wire)
- Learning and talking about flying-foxes, to dispel misconceptions and fear about them.
I’ve seen more flying-foxes near town each year. Are flying-fox populations increasing?
Flying-fox numbers have declined in the last century. This is due to widespread clearing of native foraging and roosting habitat. Culling practices across their range have also affected their numbers.
Increasing numbers of flying-foxes appearing near townships is due to:
- Ongoing reduction in habitat and wild food sources
- The effects of drought, bushfire and climate change
- Backyard fruiting trees and water sources provide what the flying-foxes need to survive.
Choice of roosting sites may be linked to historic connections with the site prior to human development.
Why are the flying-foxes here?
The preferred food source of the flying-fox species that visit the Gladstone region is the nectar and pollen of native flowering trees, with many Australian trees having flowers designed to attract flying-foxes for pollination (e.g. eucalypts, paperbarks).
An increased flying-fox presence can be expected when there is abundance of food in the local area, keeping in mind that flying-foxes can travel up to50km per night to forage, and up to 270km when travelling between different roosts (depending on the species). Little red flying-foxes are particularly nomadic as they almost exclusively eat nectar and pollen. When a region’s trees are in mass bloom, little reds will come in large numbers for a short period of time, until food sources are exhausted (around 4 to 12 weeks).
Flying-foxes have strong memories of their roost sites and it can be expected that they will continue returning to established roosts even though numbers may fluctuate or temporarily vacate at times of the year.
Do flying-foxes pose a health risk?
All animals can carry bacteria or viruses that may pose a health risk to humans. Contracting diseases directly from flying-foxes is extremely unlikely. Do not attempt to handle sick, injured or orphaned flying-foxes. Contact the RSPCA on 1300 ANIMAL and organise for them to be collected by a trained and vaccinated wildlife carer.
The health risks to humans from flying-fox droppings is like that of bird droppings. If contact is made with flying-fox droppings, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. Where rainwater tanks are used for human consumption, a first flush diverter should be installed.
Health related information regarding flying-foxes can be found on the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) and Queensland Health websites.
Can flying-foxes be ‘moved on’?
Sometimes natural departures of flying-foxes are mistaken to be the result of human intervention and this drives the misconception that flying-foxes are easy to move on, however this is not the case. Dispersal of flying-fox roosts are a high-risk, high-cost tool for mitigating the impact of flying-fox roosts. This approach most often fails to eliminate conflict with the community as flying-foxes either return to the original site or relocate to a location nearby.
A 2021 peer-reviewed study assessed 48 attempts of roost dispersal across Australia, finding that in 88 per cent of cases, the roosts moved to an alternate location within 1km and conflict was only transferred to other parts of the community. Only 23 per cent of dispersal attempts were successful in resolving conflict, generally after extensive removal of vegetation or repeated action over months or years. Half of the successful cases required entire removal of vegetation, and all successful attempts cost more than $250,000.
Dispersal of flying-fox roosts often fail to eliminate conflict with the community as flying-foxes either return to the original site or relocate to a location nearby.
This is because of three key factors:
- Flying-foxes are nomadic, continually moving between different roosts
- Flying-foxes do not travel as a group, and instead migrate as individuals, and
- Flying-foxes have an impressive memory for locations, and can live to over 20 years old.
The longer amount of time that a roost has existed, the greater number of flying-foxes that will have visited and memorised the location. Whilst a roost might be moved on a given day, the flying-foxes that have visited previously and are elsewhere at the time, will eventually return, naïve to what has happened while they were away.
Repeated disturbance is typically required over several months or years to have a greater chance of moving flying-foxes, however, removal of vegetation is the only way to guarantee flying-foxes cannot roost in a specific location. However, by removing vegetation, there is a risk that returning flying-foxes will move to the next closest vegetation.
What can I do to manage flying-fox foraging on my property (i.e. feeding on fruit/flowers at night)?
Properties which contain flying-fox food sources (flowers and fruits) are likely to attract foraging temporarily, while the food source is available. Landowners wishing to manage the impacts of flying-fox foraging on their property should:
- Remove fruit or excess branches from trees
- Consider completely removing trees which provide the food source
- Use fruit-bags and wildlife-safe netting to protect fruit trees/vines
Wildlife netting mesh should be less than 5mm;
Choose netting which you cannot poke your finger through
- Trim tree branches overhanging swimming pools, cars, clotheslines, solar panels or water tanks.
- Talk to your neighbours if their trees are also attracting flying-foxes. Council cannot enforce the removal or trees on private property, refer to Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal for advice on tree disputes.
- Install first-flush diverters upon rainwater tanks. This will avoid contamination from flying-fox and bird droppings.
Please note that the above advice only applies to foraging behaviour (i.e. feeding at night from fruit/flowers). Where flying-foxes are roosting (i.e. present in the tree during the day), refer to the ‘Code of Practice: Ecologically sustainable management of flying-fox roosts’, available here.
Flying-foxes have just started roosting on my property, what can I do?
Flying-fox roosts are protected under section 88C of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and cannot be disturbed without authorisation. The Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) administer the Act and provide an Interim policy for determining when a flying-fox congregation is regarded as a flying-fox roost. Areas that have not met the definition of a flying-fox roost are considered ‘new congregations’ and are not subject to the regulations that govern the management of permanent flying-fox roosts.
In some instances, during the early stages of roost establishment, a flying-fox roost may be regarded as a ‘new congregation’ and residents have a window of opportunity to take action to deter the formation of a permanent roost. Action may be active (e.g. hand clapping, flood lights) or passive (tree trimming or removal) and must never kill, injure, or cause harm to flying-foxes. Residents considering action should consult DETSI to ensure actions are authorised.
Using smoke to deter flying-fox roosting is not recommended as there is little evidence to its efficacy, and attempts can cause smoke nuisance to neighbours.
Flying-foxes have established a permanent roost on my property, what can I do?
Permanent flying-fox roosts are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and it is an offence to destroy a roost, drive away flying-foxes from a roost or disturb a roost unless authorised by DETSI. Roost sites remain protected even if flying-foxes vacate the site, for up to five years.
All persons are authorised to undertake low impact activities such as mulching, mowing, weeding and minor tree trimming in proximity to a flying-fox roost. Activities must be done in accordance with the Code of Practice: Low impact activities affecting flying-fox roosts, including that trees must not be trimmed when flying-foxes are within the tree or nearby (e.g. within 10m).
Activities beyond the scope of low impact or which disturb flying-foxes in a roost require a Flying-fox Roost Management Permit.
More information on authorised flying-fox roost management is available via: https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/wildlife/animals/living-with/bats/flying-foxes/roost-management.
What is Council's role in managing flying-foxes?
Under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, local governments have an as-of-right authority (not an obligation) to manage flying-fox roosts within defined urban areas. Council will take responsibility for managing flying-foxes on Council owned or managed land, as per its Statement of Management Intent for flying-fox. Council’s intent is to have no involvement in the management of roosts located solely on State land or private land. Council’s approach to managing flying-fox roosts occurring on or partly on Council-controlled land is detailed in our Regional Flying-fox Management Plan.
What action does Council take in managing flying-fox roosts?
Council undertakes the following actions to assist in managing flying-foxes in the Gladstone region:
What support is available to help manage the impacts of flying-fox roosts near me?
Living with Flying-Fox Grants Program
Council is preparing to launch the Living with Flying-Fox Grants Program from mid-February 2026. The purpose of the program is to mitigate the impacts of flying-fox roosts on our community and better support residents and businesses to co-exist with flying foxes.
Assistance is designed to help people implement mitigation solutions that directly address the specific impacts residents or businesses are experiencing.
Council recognises the need to balance public amenity and the ecological importance of flying-foxes. This grant program provides practical assistance to households and businesses experiencing challenges related to nearby flying-fox roosts.
What the funding supports
Funding helps cover the cost of products and services that reduce common impacts such as:
- Noise
- Droppings
- Odour
- Vegetation damage
Mitigation support may include:
- Car covers
- Clothesline covers
- High-pressure washers
- Double-glazing or sound proofing
- Tree trimming or removal
- Shade structures
- Other similar protective or cleaning equipment
We understand every situation is unique. As funding is limited, each application will be thoughtfully assessed and prioritised based on individual circumstances, ensuring support is directed where it’s needed most.
How to apply
Further information will be shared about the Living with Flying-Fox Grants Program and how you can apply in February 2026.
The Living with Flying-Fox Grants Program is a joint initiative of Gladstone Regional Council and the Queensland Government.
What can I do if someone is harming flying-foxes or disturbing a roost without authority?
Permanent flying-fox roosts are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and it is an offence to destroy a roost, drive away flying-foxes from a roost or disturb a roost unless authorised by DETSI. Disturbing a roost without authority is an offence under state legislation, risks worsening impacts to the community and can be harmful to flying-fox welfare. If you witness a suspected offence, please report the incident with as much detail as possible to DETSI by completing the form here.
Snakes play an important role in natural environments, helping to regulate populations of prey animals and maintain healthy ecosystems. All snakes are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and cannot be killed or taken from the wild, unless by a licensed snake catcher.
Land clearing and urban development has led to an increase in snake encounters. You can minimise the likelihood of encounters by making your home and backyard an unsuitable snake environment by keeping your yard free of timber and debris, lawn at a low height and your windows and doors screened.
When outdoors, protect yourself from snakes by wearing covered shoes and long pants, stick to formed paths and carry a snake-bite kit. When left alone, snakes pose very little danger to people; most snake bites are received by people who try to capture or kill a snake.
More information can be found on the Department of Environment and Science or by phoning 1300 130 372.
There are a number of commercial snake catchers that operate in the Gladstone Region. Contact details are provided for the benefit of the community; it is the responsibility of the customer to ensure the applicable licenses and insurances are valid, and a cost may be incurred.
Local snake catchers
In their natural environment, possums usually live in tree hollows, but with the loss of native bushland, many of these natural homes have been destroyed. Being highly territorial, possums do not relocate easily, and so they sometimes seek safe shelter in your roof. Under Qld legislation, a possum can be trapped if the person has a damage mitigation permit to remove and relocate the possum; however, a trapped possum must only be moved a maximum of 25m.
Please note: Council does not issue cat traps for the purpose of trapping possums. Possums are a protected native animal, and a permit is required for trapping.
More information can be found on the Department of Environment and Science or by phoning 1300 130 372.
During the months of April and May, it is not uncommon to see long processions of what people commonly refer to as 'Itchy Grubs' (ochrogaster lunifer) marching head to tail as they search for new food sources. These grubs mainly feed on various species of wattle. They build nests at the base of food source trees or in the canopy. Prior to winter, the grubs burrow into the ground and emerge in summer as bag-shelter moths. If you encounter these grubs, do not touch them as their hairs and the white powdery scale that they produce in nests can cause dermatitis and allergic reactions, such as red swollen skin rashes.
More information about Itchy Grubs/hairy caterpillars can be found on the Australian Geographic website.
If you find a nest that is causing a problem in a park or other public area, please phone Council.
The Gladstone Region is home to four of the world’s seven species of marine turtle: the Green Turtle, Flatback Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, and Leatherback Turtle. Marine turtles come ashore to nest on sandy beaches throughout the region from November to March. A female turtle can be aged 30-50 years before she begins to breed and may only breed once every two to eight years.
Observing nesting turtles
Nesting turtles may be encountered at night while they come ashore to lay their eggs. If you come across a turtle on the beach, be respectful and be patient; nesting turtles are timid and easily disturbed. Turn off any lights, do not use a camera flash, and give them plenty of space to complete the egg-laying ritual. Once she has finished laying, stay out of her way as she returns to the ocean. The entire nesting process can take several hours. Evidence of turtle nesting can also be observed during the day. Each species of turtle leaves unique tracks in the sand as they make their way across the beach. Early morning is the best time to see these tracks as they deteriorate over time.
Reporting turtle activity
Sightings of turtles, turtle tracks, or nests can be reported for inclusion in a local monitoring program. This data is fed back to the Queensland Government’s Turtle Conservation Program to inform species conservation.
Local contacts
- From Seventeen Seventy south to Chinaman’s Beach, you can text the location (coordinates) and photo to the Agnes Conservation Community (ACC) on 0427 358 201.
- For sightings from Springs Beach south to Red Rock, text the location (coordinates) and photo to the Turtle Action Group (TAG) on 0416 257 754
- For sightings at Rules Beach, text the location (coordinates) and photo to Rules Beach Turtle Monitoring on 0413 488 993.
- In Boyne Island, Tannum Sands, and Gladstone Harbour area, report to the Fitzroy Basin Association.
Basking vs stranded turtles
Sea turtles are known to bask on ocean surfaces; however, terrestrial basking is quite common among the Green Turtles found in the Gladstone Region. Both male and female green sea turtles come ashore and spend time in the sun to raise their internal body temperatures, which improves their immune system and digestive functions.
It is very important to be aware of the normal behaviours seen among the sea turtles and be able to differentiate between basking and stranded turtles. Interfering with a healthy turtle can cause it unnecessary stress.
Some of the common behaviours of a healthy, basking turtle include:
- Moving slowly, digging their flippers into the sand, and stopping to take breaks between movements
- Spitting up seawater, algae, and seaweed at times due to the pressure of being on land
- Excreting saltwater from the glands near their eyes (which causes them to look like they’re crying)
- Showing almost no body movement and staying still while basking, except for opening their eyes now and then.
A stranded turtle may be:
- Very weak and unresponsive
- Emaciated
- Have a thick cover of mud, algae, or barnacles
- Injured
- Unable to swim or dive properly
- Unable to return to sea with the next tide.
It is common for sea turtles to rest and bask for up to 48 hours onshore. If you are aware of a turtle on the beach for more than 48 hours or feel like it may be injured, sick, or dead, report to the QLD Government Wildlife Hotline on 1300 130 372. Alternatively, download the FREE QWildlife app on your device via the Apple Store or Google Play.
Hatchlings
Once a turtle has laid her eggs, the nest is incubated for approximately 6 weeks, after which the hatchlings will emerge as a group. Hatchlings follow the lowest bright horizon to the ocean. Once in the water, the turtles are carried out to the open ocean, where they spend up to 10 years before returning to inshore waters.
If you come across hatchlings making their way to the ocean, be sure to keep lights off as artificial lights disorient hatchlings. Do not handle hatchlings as they are vulnerable to human interference and rely on environmental cues as they cross the beach.
Threats to marine turtles
All species of marine turtles are protected by state and federal legislation; however, turtles continue to face many natural and human-induced threats.
This includes:
- Predation of eggs and hatchlings by native and feral animals
- Nest disturbance and loss of nesting habitat by human activities, such as 4WD activity and natural erosion events
- Hatchling disorientation by artificial lighting
- Ingestion and entanglement in marine debris
- Deteriorating water quality
- Loss of food sources and habitat, and
- Impacts of climate change on food sources and habitats, such as increased sand temperatures.
What can you do to help?
Nesting marine turtles are timid and can be easily disturbed. Observe nesting turtles and hatchlings from a distance and let them make their own way across the beach. Take the following steps to help protect turtles and their habitats:
- Give the turtles plenty of space to complete the egg-laying ritual
- Do not handle hatchlings, as they are vulnerable to human interference and rely on environmental cues as they cross the beach
- Minimise the use of artificial lights near the coast, as this can disorient nesting turtles and the hatchlings.
- If you have a beach-facing property, use turtle-friendly outdoor lighting and vegetation to screen artificial light sources
- Observe dog signage and leash rules; dogs should be restrained on beaches to ensure turtles and their nests are not disturbed
- In Agnes Water, dogs are prohibited on Chinaman’s Beach from November to March. At Springs Beach and Red Rock Beach, dogs are prohibited all year round.
- Only drive on beaches where vehicles are permitted and stick to the hard sand below the high-tide mark
- Enjoy the beach during the day, but please leave it to the turtles at night
- Do not interfere with coastal vegetation
- Prevent marine debris by disposing of rubbish appropriately, as this can cause harm to turtles through ingestion and entanglement
- Report sightings of European Red Foxes in coastal regions.
Council undertakes an annual coastal fox control program to humanely remove foxes from coastal areas and safeguard our iconic nesting turtles. The program employs an integration of best practice control methods, including den fumigation, trapping, and thermal shooting, and targets areas in Agnes Water, Boyne Island, and Tannum Sands.
Gladstone Regional Council is committed to protecting our region’s environment and ecosystems. This program plays an important part in reducing the impact foxes have on biodiversity, helping protect the Gladstone Region’s endangered and threatened species.
2025 CQ Coastal Fox Control Program
Gladstone Regional Council will conduct Coastal Fox Control Program activities from November 2025 to February 2026:
- Boyne Tannum: 10-14 November 2025
- Agnes Water: 17-21 November 2025
- Agnes Water: 9-13 February 2026.
Trapping activities will be undertaken within coastal bushland reserves:
- Boyne Tannum - Lilley’s Beach, Canoe Point, Wild Cattle Inlet
- Agnes Water - All beaches and reserves along Springs Road and Captain Cook Drive
The purpose of the program is to mitigate risks to marine turtles and other native wildlife on the coast. The program will engage a fox control specialist to conduct soft-jaw foothold trapping and thermal shooting to reduce the local fox population humanely and safely.
Some areas will be closed during this period and will be clearly identified by warning signs placed at all entrances.
Residents are requested to heed signage and restrain pets during the control period. If your pet becomes trapped, please call Brent Tangey, Senior Natural Environment Officer on 0407 138 768 for assistance to release the pet.
Please be aware that you may occasionally hear a firearm being safely discharged as part of the targeted control activities.
Residents can support this work by reporting all evidence of fox activity, sightings in coastal areas, and dug-up turtle nests. Please phone (07) 4970 0700 or click the button below.
Report fox activity
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do we need to remove foxes from coastal areas?
The European Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) was introduced to Australia from England during the 1860s. Today, the European Red Fox is identified as an invasive pest under the Biosecurity Act 2014 and is a major contributor to the decline of native ground nesting birds, small mammals and marine turtles. Under the Biosecurity Act 2014, landholders have a general biosecurity obligation to control known populations.
Queensland is one of the most important marine turtle nesting sites in the world with six species of threatened marine turtles nesting across the state. Foxes are opportunistic carnivores and have a significant impact through predation of their nests and their hatchlings. Reducing the coastal fox population greatly improves the nesting success of the three marine turtle species that nest in the Gladstone Region, including the endangered loggerhead turtle. Since the Coastal Fox Control Program commenced in 2021 nest predation rates have reduced by approximately 40%.
What method is Council using to control the foxes?
Council is using an integration of best practise control methods including den fumigation, trapping and thermal shooting to safely and humanely remove foxes from coastal areas. No poison baiting is undertaken as part of the project.
Known den sites on Council-controlled land are surveyed during the winter breeding season from July-September. Any confirmed active dens are fumigated with carbon monoxide to sedate and euthanise the fox humanely. Landholders with a known or suspected den on their property may also contact Council for assistance with managing fox dens.
Soft-jaw foothold trapping and thermal shooting will be undertaken twice yearly on beaches and coastal reserves by an appropriately qualified contractor. Best practice operating procedures are strictly adhered to ensure public safety and minimise potential impact to off-target species. Firearms may be heard infrequently as part of targeted control activities. Cage trapping may also be undertaken in response to fox sightings and predation in priority areas. Cage and soft-jaw foothold traps are also available to landholders to assist with managing foxes on private property.
Can domestic animals be affected by control activities?
While no baiting is being undertaken as part of the project, domestic animals may be affected by trapping and thermal shooting activities if allowed to roam while control activities are being conducted. Control activities will be clearly identified by signage at all entrances to reserves and communicated through local media channels. Thermal shooting is only undertaken on closed beaches at night, away from residences. Please observe advice and ensure that people and pets do not stray from formed tracks.
How can I report fox sightings and predation?
You can help support this project by reporting all evidence of fox activity and sightings in coastal regions and turtle nest predation here. The collected data is used for creating target zones and benchmarks to measure the success of the program.
How do I know if I have a fox den on my property?
If you have sighted foxes regularly or have had chickens or other livestock taken, you may have a fox den located on or in close proximity to your property. Foxes construct an underground den for raising kits (young) during the winter breeding season and will use the den from July to September. The den will generally be located within 200m of a water source and may have multiple entrances with an opening approximately 20cm in diameter. While active, the den will be freshly excavated, with obvious canine footprints, produce a strong ammonia odour and be surrounded by fresh or partially consumed animal carcasses. Any potential dens can be reported to Council for investigation and fumigation if confirmed as active.
