A caravan park which shares a shoreline with the turtles that famously visit Mon Repos in Queensland is apparently at risk of being turned into a housing development.
The Courier Mail reports that the Turtle Sands Caravan Park at Mon Repos, east Of Bundaberg, could be in for a complete overhaul if a new owner buys the site and chooses to develop it.
According to the newspaper, commercial realtor CBRE has been accepting expressions of interest for the sale of the site, which, according to their Turtle Sands Camping and Holiday Park Information Memorandum, has been approved for new accommodation.
“The asset currently comprises 106 sites/cabins and two dwellings, with a Development Approval (DA) for the property to be redeveloped to increase density by 21 sites to 127,” the memorandum reads.
Mon Repos is famous for its hatching and nesting turtles. PIC: Jolo Diaz / Pexels
“The DA allows for the asset to be completely modernised, with a repositioning of the park to comprise a variety of offerings, amenities and services.”
The Courier Mail also says CBRE’s key investment highlights also claim the site has an ‘extremely favourable zoning overlay allowing for alternative uses such as residential and retirement facilities’, which means houses could also be built on the site.
The caravan park sits about 200 metres from popular turtle nesting areas.
The Courier Mail reports that rangers at Mon Repos Turtle Centre have stressed the importance of reducing light pollution and noise, which can deter turtles from coming up to the beach to lay eggs. Light can also disorient hatchlings.
A development application on the Bundaberg Regional Council website states that development of the caravan park was approved by the State Government in 2020.
A Bundaberg council spokesperson told the Bundaberg NewsMail that all relevant benchmarks had been met for council approval.
“The application was assessed against all relevant benchmarks including Council’s Sea Turtle Sensitive Area Overlay Code,” the spokesperson said. “We also note that the application was assessed by the State Government for matters of state environmental significance.”
Queensland National Parks says that the recent turtle season had over 16,000 visitors joining the Turtle Encounters tours to witness around 350 loggerheads, nine flatbacks and five green turtles visit the Woongarra Coast. Around 1500 nests were made and over 180,000 eggs were laid during the season. This season witnessed a successful hatchling rate of around 80%. The turtle tours are generally conducted between early November and late March.
Another money grabbing thought.
Stuff the ecology
PROFIT RULES THE WORLD
STUFF EVERYTHING ELSE
Ha, sarcasm at it’s best 🙂
All about money. How are your great grandchildren going to survive when the current generation have ruined the Bio Diversity forever.
I for one will not stay at these sites or visit the nearby town and shop.
Move on and get some sense. GREED PLUS PLUS