Mon Repos Turtle Centre to develop breeding program
The Queensland Government says it is working towards developing a breeding program at the Mon Repos Turtle Centre near Bundaberg.
National Parks Minister Steve Dickson has announced a $450,000 upgrade to the centre for new landscaping and signs, a tensile roof on the amphitheatre and new interactive information.
He says it will prepare the centre for future expansion of its conservation work.
"This will be developed in stages," he said.
"We're looking to have what is called a head start program later on down the track and that's about actually breeding the turtles on site.
"You know, they'll still nest, they'll still hatch in the same format but when it's time for them to go to the ocean we'll actually put them in an aquarium-like facility and allow them to grow to six to 12 months so that when we do let them go they've got a greater chance of survival."
Mr Dickson says the upgrade is part of a long-term plan to build a year-round tourist attraction.
"Mon Repos is going to be one of the most recognisable places in the world to go for young people, people throughout Queensland, Australia and all over the world, to have a look at what conservation is all about as far as turtle preservation is concerned and being able to let people know how they breed, where they breed, why they breed and what their future beholds," he said.