- The Crisafulli Government's election commitment to deliver a new turtle rehabilitation facility on Green Island gets underway.
- $600,000 invested as part of a $39.6 million commitment to deliver five new and expanded wildlife hospitals, helping turtles recover from serious injuries and illness.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future and a fresh start for the State's environment after a decade of decline under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering on a key election commitment to deliver world-class care for sick and injured turtles, with construction now underway on a new rehabilitation centre on Green Island.
In a major milestone, the first sod has just been turned, with the facility due to open in mid‑2027.
Home to six of the world's seven marine turtle species, the reef is the ideal setting for a centre dedicated to hands-on rehabilitation, world-class research and immersive visitor experiences.
The Green Island facility will expand the work of the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre with high‑quality recovery tanks and daily education sessions.
It will also create a powerful new ecotourism drawcard for one of Queensland's most iconic island destinations.
The turtle rehabilitation facility on Green Island is one of the five new and expanded wildlife hospitals being delivered across the State as part of the Crisafulli Government's $39.6 million investment to protect native wildlife.
The Crisafulli Government is giving Queensland's environment the fresh start it deserves and delivering a plan for Queensland's future, after a decade of environmental decline under the former Labor Government.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the project struck the right balance between conservation and tourism.
"We're focused on delivery, and this facility will expand life‑saving care for marine turtles while creating a new, high‑quality experience for people visiting one of Queensland's most iconic destinations," Minister Powell said.
"We made a commitment to invest in frontline conservation, and this sod‑turn marks that commitment becoming a reality on the ground.
"The Crisafulli Government's investment in new and expanded wildlife hospitals overturns a decade of failure by the former Labor Government.
"Destination 2045 is a plan we're putting into action through projects like this that protect what makes Queensland special and support sustainable tourism growth."
Member for Barron River Bree James said the start of construction marked a fresh start for the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.
"This centre has been doing amazing work for decades, and investment by the Crisafulli Government will ensure it can continue protecting our precious turtles now and into the future," Ms James said.
"The upgraded facility will also be a major boost for tourism, giving visitors the chance to learn about turtles and see firsthand the hard work that goes into protecting them."
Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre co-founder Jennie Gilbert expressed sincere appreciation for the Crisafulli Government's $600,000 investment to support the establishment of a purpose-built facility on Green Island.
"This brand-new rehabilitation facility will house rehabilitation tanks, educational information and will run daily educational talks with small groups of people. I believe education and research are critical components of conservation," Ms Gilbert said.
"The centre presents an excellent opportunity for visitors to gain an understanding of our marine turtles before encountering them while snorkelling.
"Raising awareness is, in my view, essential to ensuring the survival of these species, and seeing them firsthand inspires people to take action to protect them."
