Turtles, terns and teamwork – volunteers wanted!

Published on 27 May 2026

The Cassowary Coast Regional Council is encouraging locals to register their interest in a new volunteer program that supports the monitoring and protection of shorebirds and sea turtles across our region’s coastal areas.

The program will establish a coordinated network of trained volunteers across priority beaches and nesting sites.

Volunteers will observe nesting activity, record information, and report signs of disturbance to help improve understanding of species presence, breeding activity, and threats along the Cassowary Coast coastline.

Cassowary Coast Mayor Teresa Millwood said the initiative highlighted the important role the community plays in caring for the region’s natural environment.

“We are incredibly fortunate to live in a region surrounded by beautiful beaches, unique wildlife and important coastal ecosystems, and programs like this help strengthen our role as environmental stewards of the Cassowary Coast,” Mayor Millwood said.

“This program is a fantastic opportunity for people to volunteer, connect with nature, learn new skills, and contribute to meaningful conservation work right here in our region.”

Environment portfolio holder, Councillor Jeff Baines said the program offered the community a meaningful way to contribute to local conservation efforts.

“Cassowary Coast beaches are home to some incredible wildlife, and this program gives our community the opportunity to help protect them,” Cr Baines said.

“From nesting sea turtles to vulnerable shorebird species, the information collected by volunteers will help us better understand how these animals are using our coastline and what we can do to support them into the future.”

No experience is needed to get involved, with training and resources provided to all volunteers.

Training will include how to recognise, identify, and safely record observations of turtle and shorebird behaviours and activity such as tracks and nests, without disturbing wildlife or nesting areas.

Community members can register their interest by emailing shorebirdseaturtle@ccrc.qld.gov.au or find out more about the program here: cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/Shorebird-and-sea-turtle-monitoring