The new Mon Repos Turtle Centre was officially opened this afternoon.
Queensland Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch and Mayor Jack Dempsey were in attendance to mark the occasion.
Bundaberg firm Murchie Constructions built the centre, finishing just in time for turtle season after the Department of Environment and Science made changes to the original design.
In his submission to a parliamentary inquiry, managing director Andrew Murchie said 325 workers were inducted to the site during construction.
Twenty-two subcontractors were engaged and 22 apprentices.
“Murchie Constructions believe that the quality of work that has been provided is of a very high standard and that all involved in the project should be very proud of what they have achieved,” Mr Murchie said.
“The construction of the Mon Repos Turtle Centre offered an extensive boost to the local economy as a result of the high involvement of local subcontractors and suppliers.
“The high quality of work provided allows Murchie Constructions and appointed subcontractors and suppliers the opportunity to prove their worth and showcase their workmanship to the industry, assisting them with promoting their business and procuring future work.”
Mayor Dempsey congratulated Murchie Constructions on the quality of their work.
“Bundaberg Regional Council was pleased to partner with the State Government in this exciting project,” he said.
“Council delivered essential infrastructure for the facility including water services and a new sewer pump station.
“Everyone here would be well aware how important it is to have a proper sewerage system in a sensitive coastal environment.”
Mayor Dempsey reflected on the site's history with Mon Repos being French for “My Rest”. It was the name of the homestead established in the early 1880s.
“The area was owned by the French Government between 1890 and 1925 after they laid the first telegraph cable from Australia to New Caledonia, which came ashore near here,” he said.
“The cable was used until the 1920s. Here we are today, nearly 100 years later, celebrating another development at this unique location, in which every care was taken to protect and preserve the environment.
“We now have a wonderful facility to explain the lifecycle of our amazing turtles, which keep on coming back year after year.
“This new centre will enhance the visitor experience and help us to grow the tourism industry here in the Bundaberg Region.”
- Earlier report: New Mon Repos Turtle Centre completed
