MEDIA STATEMENT: Bundaberg boasts bumper year for turtles and tourism 

Bundaberg boasts bumper year for turtles and tourism 

• Record nesting season underway with the biggest turtle turnout in half a century.
• The reptiles are driving visitor numbers as local operators have their say on the development of a new 20-year tourism plan.
• An online survey, regional roadshows and industry consultations are helping collect insight to help shape the industry’s future. 

The Crisafulli Government is celebrating outstanding conservation efforts at Mon Repos, with the announcement of the highest number of nesting turtles in more than 50 years. 

At least 519 turtles have been recorded at Mon Repos – including 505 loggerheads, 12 flatbacks and two green turtles. 

By comparison, the seasonal average is just 350 marine turtles laying eggs along the Woongarra Coast. 

Rangers expect the outstanding results of 2025 are likely due to favourable conditions in the foraging grounds which provide a better nesting habitat. 

The turtle season generates $21 million in visitor spending each year and draws up to 30,000 visitors to the region for this spectacular event. 

As Wide Bay businesses benefit from the turtle boom, the Crisafulli Government is focused on supercharging tourism opportunities across Queensland by delivering Destination 2045: Queensland’s Tourism Future, a visionary 20-year plan.  

The plan will see the Crisafulli Government remove Labor’s roadblocks and make Queensland – once again - the number one tourism destination in Australia.  

Locals are being invited to have their say through an online survey and industry consultations, as well as the Destination 2045 Regional Roadshow.  

On the seventh stop, Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell welcomed more than 50 industry and community stakeholders in Bundaberg, who shared their ideas to help shape the future of the tourism industry. 

The plan is aimed at enhancing Queensland’s global appeal, unlocking untapped lifestyle and cultural opportunities, while attracting investment, supporting jobs, and accelerating infrastructure and experiences.  

Minister Powell said the incredible turtle season was yet another reason to champion Queensland’s natural wonders through eco-tourism and the 20-year plan. 

“We are on the threshold of an unprecedented opportunity, with the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games spotlighting Queensland to the world,” Minister Powell said. 

“This is our moment to capitalise, to innovate, and to lay down the tracks for a legacy that will benefit not just today's Queenslanders but generations to follow.” 

Member for Burnett, Stephen Bennett, said the tourism industry and community had an opportunity to work hand in hand to create a shared vision. 

“We need to plan ahead to ensure we have the experiences, accommodation and people ready for our visitors – from Australia’s grey nomads to international bucket-list adventurers,” Mr Bennett said.