Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett has labelled the Mon Repos Turtle Centre as a monumental lost opportunity following the Parliamentary Committee Inquiry into the facility’s redevelopment.
Speaking after the hearing today, Mr Bennett said the state government had failed to meet the community’s expectations to deliver a “hero year-round experience” at the Mon Repos Turtle Centre.
“Clear issues have been raised in the hearing about the construction and functionality of the centre, with complaints being frequently raised about seating capacity, catering, access and missed opportunities for accommodation and eco-tourism experiences,” he said.
“What our community has been promised and what we have been left with is entirely different.
“Our region deserves to have what was promised – a world-class visitor attraction with all the bells and whistles in support of sea turtle conservation, including an increased range of ecotourism products and high tailored experiences, but sadly that’s not the reality.
“Design issues, departmental interference and stakeholder interference have all played a part in preventing the centre from reaching its full potential.”
Mr Bennett, a key driver of the development since being elected in 2012 when the initial funding commitments were made, criticised the government for failing to progress real opportunities for turtle conservation.
“It was proposed that up to 50 hatchlings could be housed in suitable facilities at the centre for a 9 to 18-month period after which they could be tagged and released, but they have completely excluded a turtle nursery from the facility.”
Mr Bennett said he had major concerns about the cost blowouts and the government’s capacity to deliver critical projects like the Mon Repos Turtle Centre, given that allegations were directed to the state government that they breached their own Planning Acts and Regulations.
“Concerns were raised that developments in a protected wetland have been breached, and no considerations were taken regarding the road network impact or safety given the projected visitor increase,” he said.
“It’s blaringly obvious why the Government has been so secretive throughout the entire process of this redevelopment.”
Mr Bennett said now was the time to look at ways to improve the facilities and ensure revenue could be reinvested into conservation, research and site management.
“We must generate revenue through donations and sponsorships to reinvest into the future development of the site, particularly so that we may continue important conservation and research activities.”
ENDS
February 11, 2020