Award-winning journalist Nance Haxton visited Mon Repos Turtle Centre recently and spoke to ranger in charge, Cathy Gatley, as part of her “Streets of Your Town” podcast series.
The interview has been uploaded to social media.
Ms Gatley says in the interview that Mon Repos receives around 30,000 visitors each season, which runs from November to April, and up to 300 people per night.
“We’re extremely lucky the turtles are very tolerant of us,” she said.
“The activities we undertake don’t disturb them.
“As long as we wait for the right cues at the right time in the process we’re able to view the turtles without having any negative impacts.”
Ms Gatley said Mon Repos has been a special place for turtles for a long time.
She encouraged residents along the coast to help cut the glow from homes and businesses at night.
“Everybody can help in these coastal areas by turning off lights they don’t need,” she said.
Ms Haxton said she hoped more Australians join the big numbers of international visitors.
“It’s great that Bundaberg is embracing its natural assets like this,” she said.
The State Government has contributed more than $16 million towards the Mon Repos redevelopment, entering a contract with Bundaberg-based Murchie Constructions Pty Ltd to build a new turtle centre.
Bundaberg Regional Council is contributing $1.5 million of in-kind support, including the installation of mains water and sewerage pipes.
Nance Haxton
Nance Haxton is a two-time winner of Australian journalism’s most prestigious honour, a Walkley Award, a dual winner of the Clarion Award for excellence in Queensland journalism, as well as earning a silver and two bronze trophies from the New York Festivals World’s Best Radio Programs awards.
