The purchase of land adjacent to Mon Repos Conservation Park has been finalised and will be used as an environmental buffer to protect the marine turtle nesting site.
The news comes on World Turtle Day, held on 23 May each year to help celebrate and protect turtles and tortoises and their disappearing habitats around the world.
Environment Minister Megan Scanlon said the additional land would be added to the Conservation Park to protect dune ground water recharged areas critical for sustainability of the turtle nesting area.
“Once the land is restored it will form an environmental buffer between neighbouring agricultural activity, boost the nesting grounds resilience to climate change and sea rises and protect it from artificial light,” she said.
The land buy-up is part of the Queensland Government’s commitment to turtle conservation by expanding protected areas across the state through the Protected Area Strategy.
“Our on-going investment in turtle conservation at Mon Repos significantly expands the conservation park and boosts sustainability of this world class ecotourism facility which attracts over 30,000 visitors a year,” Minister Scanlon said.
The Conservation Park has experienced exceptional growth in the past year with the development of the Mon Repos Turtle Centre.
The modern building, by Murchie Constructions, is dedicated to the conservation of the endangered loggerhead turtle.
The build was awarded the Queensland Architecture Medallion for its innovative design and environmentally minded construction.
Does cane growing actually make any difference to the turtles?
I was terribly disappointed in the supposed upgrades at Mon Repos Turtle Centre.
Firstly, the single lane entry which was quite disconcerting, and yet I had been here many times before.
Secondly, the parking, or lack of it. I had heard it was terrible, and yes, I agree.
Thirdly, it was closed, and although I cannot recall what day or time, it was reasonable to expect it to be open.
Fourthly, what an opportunity for Bundaberg completely stuffed, in my opinion
In the present situation there is NO way that cane farmers contribute to interference with turtles. How can they? Cane farmers practice sustainable methods of farming which ensures for their future. I am 70 years old and the son of cane farmers and would be aware of detrimental events to our enviroment.