Speed Limit Reductions Proposed to Combat Turtle Road Deaths in Bibra Lake
The City of Cockburn is actively exploring measures to reduce speed limits on several roads within the southern suburbs, following a compelling motion passed by electors at the annual general meeting on January 29. This initiative aims to address the alarming rate of turtle fatalities, which have become a significant concern in the Bibra Lake area.
Residents Highlight Alarming Turtle Mortality Statistics
During the meeting, Bibra Lake resident Steve Shaw presented stark data, revealing that road mortality has emerged as one of the leading and most preventable causes of adult turtle deaths in the Beeliar wetlands. Since 2021, a staggering 592 turtle deaths have been recorded in Bibra Lake alone, with a particularly severe spike in 2024 accounting for 295 of these fatalities.
Mr Shaw explained the perilous journey turtles face: "Turtles come out of the water straight on to Progress Drive and are probably squashed. If they make it across the road, they're then hit with a wall on Adventure World. If they make it across, then they've got to get back again. The chances of fatality are probably up around 90 per cent."
Data Reveals Critical Breeding Impacts
Information sourced from the 1 Million Turtles program and TurtleSAT indicates that breeding females are frequently killed during nesting movements, while males are struck while traversing between fragmented wetlands, often crossing roads. The loss of adult females, in particular, poses long-term threats to population viability, making immediate intervention crucial.
Mr Shaw has formally requested that the City of Cockburn implement temporary speed reductions in identified hotspots and investigate safe passage infrastructure, such as guided barrier fences. He emphasised that these measures are low-cost, evidence-based, and urgently needed to safeguard native turtle populations.
Previous Speed Limit Adjustments and Ongoing Concerns
In a related development late last year, Main Roads WA announced a reduction in the speed limit on Hope Road in Bibra Lake from 70km/h to 60km/h. This decision came after persistent pleas from the city, local residents, and tenant organisations of the nearby Wetlands Precinct, including WA Wildlife and The Wetlands Centre.
Further concerns were raised at the AGM regarding another critical nesting area on the Progress Drive foreshore in Bibra Lake, following the removal of 12 defunct nesting cages. Resident Yeok Burrows expressed deep concern over the lack of planning, noting that since 2023, 50 per cent of all Bibra Lake nests have occurred along this foreshore.
Ms Burrows stated: "This is not just an important nesting area, it is a core breeding engine for the entire Lakes turtle population — without it, the population cannot sustain itself." She advocated for permanent road signage to highlight the area's environmental sensitivity, exclusion fencing in high nesting zones, and enhanced community collaboration to protect turtles effectively.
Community Collaboration and Future Steps
Ms Burrows highlighted the valuable role of local volunteers, who possess the ability, knowledge, and expertise to assist in conservation efforts. She stressed that protecting turtle populations must be a shared endeavour between the council and the community to achieve meaningful results.
The electors' motion, which calls for the local government to examine speed restrictions around known turtle hotspots and consider additional protective measures, will be formally considered at a future council meeting. This decision marks a proactive step towards mitigating the preventable road deaths that threaten the sustainability of Bibra Lake's turtle populations.
