Bundy business will bring new Mon Repos turtle centre to life

Construction on the new, multi-million-dollar Mon Repos turtle centre in Bundaberg will soon be underway, with the Palaszczuk Government announcing the project will be brought to life by a local construction company.

Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch said the Palaszczuk Government, which has contributed more than $16 million towards the Mon Repos redevelopment, has entered into a contract with Bundaberg-based Murchie Constructions Pty Ltd to build the brand new turtle centre.

“This contract marks an exciting step forward for turtle conservation efforts and regional tourism,” Ms Enoch said.

“By updating the Mon Repos turtle centre we will be able give visitors an exciting eco-based tourism experience all year round, even outside of turtle season.

“Not only will the new centre bring extra tourism dollars into Bundaberg for years to come while promoting the importance of turtle conservation, but the fact that we are working with a local company means this project will benefit the local economy.”

The new centre will include a café, updated interpretive material and a theatrette providing an ‘immersive experience’ during and outside the summer turtle nesting season.

Work will start in July, with the first work including the installation of mains water and sewerage pipes being funded by Bundaberg Regional Council.

An upgraded power supply is also being installed and the opportunity is being taken to put this underground.

This will allow the removal of the existing overhead power line and increase the potential for rehabilitation of vegetation on the conservation park.   

Construction of the new centre itself will begin in August.

Ms Enoch said the government is working with Bundaberg Regional Council – who is contributing $1.5 million of in-kind resourcing – to attract more tourists to the centre outside of the turtle nesting season.

Mayor Jack Dempsey welcomed the announcement and thanked the Queensland Government for its support, saying it will boost the region’s $442 million tourism industry.

“Council is pleased to partner with the State Government to deliver this world-class facility, which adds to the many tourism opportunities offered in our region,” Mayor Dempsey said.

“It is partnerships such as this that allow us to deliver outstanding community infrastructure while providing local jobs and growth for our regional economy.

“The economic benefits of a project of this scale will not just underpin the tourism industry, but flow right throughout our community.

“Mon Repos is a unique natural attraction which draws local, national and international visitors and this investment in our iconic turtles will ensure those visitors can enjoy an unforgettable experience year-round.”

Ms Enoch said the turtle tours will continue to run with as little disruption as possible later in the year.

“Arrangements will be made to manage visitor parking as the existing carpark will be unavailable for use once construction begins,” Ms Enoch said.

“The annual turtle season is expected to bring about 30,000 visitors to Mon Repos to take part in the unique turtle tours,” she said.

As the building of the new centre is expected to run through the 2018 – 2019 turtle season, special considerations have been put in place to protect the turtles in that period.

The new centre’s construction will be carried out during daylight hours to avoid light interfering with the nesting turtles and of course there will be no vehicle movements or construction anywhere near the beach in order to protect the turtle-sensitive area.

Constructed is expected to be completed after 12 months.

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