Bundaberg Region Reducing Urban Glow and Protection of Sea Turtles
Bundaberg Regional Council
Land of the Traditional Owners: Land of the Taribelang Bunda, Gooreng Gooreng, Gurang, and Bailai Peoples
The judges are thrilled to award ‘Reducing Urban Glow’ the Wendy Chadwick Encouragement Award for 2023.
The project represents a hard-won victory, forged over six years, originating in response to concerns over proposed developments near sea turtle nesting areas.
As part of the project, Bundaberg Regional Council made amendments to their Planning Scheme, to improve existing planning controls to better protect sea turtles, ensuring development does not adversely impact nesting or turtle activity.
The judges were thoroughly impressed by the degree of collaboration exhibited by the project, with Council working closely with Planning Group, the Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, and other stakeholders.
The judges were also impressed by the level of influence the project has had, noting that the Overlay Code developed for the project was subsequently implemented by the State as a Model Code, and informed the Draft Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan.
This exceptional outcome has a team of dedicated planners to thank, who chose not to take the easy path, but rather, to dedicate themselves to achieving excellence for the community and environment.
Congratulations, Bundaberg Regional Council!
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