Turtle mosaic added to lookout

Hedland’s turtle population increases dramatically each October and November as flatbacks arrive at Cemetery Beach to nest and green sea turtles rest in the reef.

Yet the town’s latest addition is not made of skin and bones but tiles and glass after tilers from Jupps Floorcoverings Port Hedland installed a green sea turtle mosaic at the Cemetery Beach lookout this month.

Jupps manager Gareth Bale said his company had been glad to pitch in when the Town of Port Hedland asked for help.

He said the company put its “talented tiler” to work, who was able to freehand-grind artistic patterns onto the turtle’s back.

“We agreed to do it at cost, we haven’t made any money out of it in fact we lost a little bit,” Mr Bale said.

“But it is a chance to put back into the town.”

“We love it – (we are) very happy with the end piece.”

Town of Port Hedland Mayor Kelly Howlett said Cemetery Beach was important as a flatback nesting spot, with the lookout also giving people the chance to spot swimming green sea turtles.

Yet she tipped the popular spot might even become more memorable thanks to the new artwork as a romantic hotspot.

“People might perhaps propose around this turtle or share a special moment,” she said.

“Everyone from young children to older grey nomads, as they come to this popular tourist attraction, will be blown away.”

She said the Town was proud of Jupps’ beautiful work and now wanted to see them create mosaic art pieces right around Hedland.

Mr Bale said he was open to the idea.

“That is a question I’ll pose to everyone – give us some ideas and we’ll see what we can do,” he said.