Statement from Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett
Thursday, 14 September 2017
After almost three years of Labor and what seems like endless delays since my initial funding announcement in 2014, it is gratifying to see upgrades to the Mon Repos Turtle Centre is well underway, as part of the $10.8 million that I fought so hard for.
There is no better place in Australia to experience this remarkable natural encounter than in Bundaberg, home to the largest concentration of nesting marine turtles on Australia’s east coast occurring at Mon Repos.
The Mon Repos Turtle Centre is essential for our part of the world and essential for marine turtle conservation, and provides an opportunity for those tourism ventures to prosper and sell a great message.
That’s why, from the day I was elected to represent this wonderful region, I have been working to revitalise the iconic Mon Repos Turtle Centre to ensure it becomes a world class facility.
Since we started the revitalisation project under the former LNP Government, we’ve seen a new rooftop structure over the amphitheatre, improved landscaping and signage and other interpretative mechanisms at the centre, and new ranger facilities.
This early works package, valued at $250,000, will ensure the region is open for business and ready to offer visitors a one-of-a-kind experience, just in time for the turtle season.