Construction has officially begun on a new turtle rehabilitation centre on Green Island, delivering on a key election commitment by the Queensland Government to strengthen wildlife care and environmental protection.
Backed by a $600,000 investment, the facility forms part of a broader $39.6 million plan to deliver five new and expanded wildlife hospitals across the state—an initiative aimed at improving outcomes for injured and vulnerable native animals.
Located on Green Island, just off the coast near Cairns, the new centre will sit in one of the most ecologically significant regions in the world. The surrounding reef is home to six of the world’s seven marine turtle species, making it an ideal site for rehabilitation, research, and public education.
Once completed in mid-2027, the facility will include specialised recovery tanks and dedicated spaces for hands-on care, allowing experts to treat turtles suffering from illness, injury, and the impacts of pollution.
The new centre will build on the work of the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, which has been caring for marine turtles for decades. By expanding capacity and upgrading facilities, the Green Island site is expected to enhance the level of care available while increasing opportunities for research and conservation.
Education will also be a major focus. The centre plans to offer daily sessions for visitors, helping raise awareness about the threats facing marine turtles and the importance of protecting their habitats.
In addition to its environmental benefits, the project is expected to become a new ecotourism drawcard for the region. Visitors to Green Island will have the opportunity to learn about turtle conservation firsthand, adding a meaningful educational experience to one of Queensland’s most popular tourist destinations.
This approach reflects a broader strategy of combining conservation efforts with sustainable tourism, supporting both the environment and the local economy.
The Green Island facility is one of five wildlife hospitals being delivered or upgraded across Queensland as part of a wider investment in frontline conservation.
The initiative aims to strengthen the state’s ability to respond to wildlife emergencies, improve rehabilitation outcomes, and ensure long-term protection for native species.
Beyond treatment and rehabilitation, the new centre is expected to play a key role in public education and community engagement. By giving visitors the chance to see conservation work up close, it aims to foster greater understanding and encourage action to protect marine life.
With construction now underway, the Green Island turtle rehabilitation centre represents a significant step forward in Queensland’s environmental efforts—combining science, education, and tourism to support the future of one of the state’s most iconic species.
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