Work has begun on a new turtle rehabilitation facility on Green Island off the coast of Cairns.
The $600,000 centre will help turtles recover from serious injuries and illness. It is due to open in mid‑2027.
The Green Island area is home to six of the world’s seven marine turtle species, making the reef an ideal setting for hands-on rehabilitation, 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.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the new facility was one of five new and expanded wildlife hospitals being delivered across the state.
Member for Barron River Bree James said the start of construction marked a fresh start for the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.
“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,” she said.
Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre co-founder Jennie Gilbert said the centre was an excellent opportunity for visitors to gain an understanding of 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,” she said.
