The first sea turtles have been admitted for care at a new Queensland rehabilitation and research centre on the state's mid-south coast.
The University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) Milbi Centre - Sea Turtle Research and Rehabilitation, located on the foreshore of Hervey Bay, will provide around the clock care for sick and injured turtles and a dedicated research base to better understand and help protect vulnerable species.
It's a game changer for sick, injured and displaced marine turtles rescued from the Fraser Coast region, which is home to six of the world's seven vulnerable sea turtle species, and a recognised hotspot for strandings.
The centre is expected to rehabilitate around 50 turtles each year, supported by on-call specialist staff and veterinary services.
The turtle life-support system includes indoor and outdoor tanks to allow sick and injured turtles to be cared for and stabilised locally before being released back into the ocean or transported for further treatment at animal hospitals at the Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast.
The centre will integrate rehabilitation care with scientific research, traditional Butchulla knowledge, education and community engagement.
Funding from all levels of government supported the establishment of the Milbi Centre, including $250,000 from the Albanese Government and $1.17 million from the Crisafulli Government.
This funding was instrumental in assisting UniSC and partners - Turtles in Trouble Rescue and the Butchulla Native Title Aboriginal Corporation - to transform a disused scout hall, provided by Fraser Coast Regional Council, into a dedicated rehabilitation and research facility.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain MP:
"This new centre will care for local turtle populations while supporting long-term employment opportunities and economic growth in the Fraser Coast region.
"We are committed to working with all levels of government to preserve one of Australia's most diverse and breathtaking natural environments."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm:
"This project is of great importance for our environment and for the Hervey Bay community.
"It will help better understand the health issues facing our precious sea turtle population in the region and will boost the local economy with jobs and the opportunity for improved research and development and community outreach.
"The Albanese Government is committed to supporting Queensland as a global tourist destination while also driving conservation efforts for local wildlife in places like Hervey Bay."
Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Andrew Powell MP:
"This facility means sick and injured turtles receive treatment faster and closer where they are found."
"We are backing practical conversation that delivers real results today and safeguards turtle populations for the future."
"Alongside The Crisafulli Government's commitment to deliver five new wildlife hospitals and funding through Nest to Ocean program, this investment shows Queensland's clear commitment to protecting our unique marine life."
Quotes attributable to UniSC Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett:
"The Milbi centre - named after the local Butchulla word for sea turtle - would ease pressure on the other two rehabilitation facilities in South East Queensland.
"Fraser Coast responders will no longer need to triage turtles based on their chances of survival - and in some cases leave some animals untreated - and it will reduce the need for those volunteers to travel thousands of kilometres each year to transport turtles for life-saving treatment.
"While the focus is local, the impact will be global, with research contributing to guiding the future of sea turtle conservation worldwide.
"This includes providing evidence-based insights into improving rehabilitation outcomes, pioneering new research on disease detection and AI based turtle tracking, and increasing global knowledge of the impacts of marine debris, habitat changes and climate change.
"The centre will be a training ground for the next generation of marine scientists, serving as an educational hub offering hands-on training to UniSC students and career researchers.
"Community education and outreach will also help to build awareness of the marine turtles and ways to support conservations efforts to ensure their survival.
"The next step is to secure operational funding support from government, business and industry and the community, which will be essential to ensure ongoing specialist care available when turtles need it most."
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Fraser Coast, George Seymour:
"This is an excellent partnership between all three levels of government, community groups and the University of the Sunshine Coast."
"By repurposing this former scout hall for the UniSC Milbi Centre, we're turning an unused community asset into a purpose-built facility that will help rescue and rehabilitate injured turtles for years to come."
