Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett has recognised the important work of researchers, rangers and volunteers based at Mon Repos on World Turtle Day.
Mr Bennett said the Mon Repos Conservation Park was vital for the survival of the endangered loggerhead turtle species.
“The important work they carry out at Mon Repos is critical for the survival of this much-loved species,” he said.
“On World Turtle Day, it’s a great opportunity to recognise and pay tribute to those working hard behind the scenes to learn more about the species to ultimately protect them.”
Mr Bennett said it was fitting that a loggerhead turtle which swam a marathon 2,000 km journey from the Mon Repos Conservation Park to her home in the Torres Strait in three months was the focus of today’s World Turtle Day.
The female loggerhead, known by her satellite tag QA57223, has made the longest recorded journey for a loggerhead turtle nesting in eastern Australia using satellite telemetry.
“It’s quite remarkable just how far these turtles can swim and on this World Turtle Day, the journey of this particular loggerhead highlights how far we have come in scientific research,” he said.
Mr Bennett said the turtle was fitted with a satellite tag before she left the nesting beach at
Mon Repos earlier this year and arrived home in the Torres Strait in April.
ENDS.
23 May 2017