A MAJOR step in marine conservation has begun this week with the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) leading the construction of a dedicated research and rehabilitation centre for sick and injured sea turtles in Hervey Bay.
The centre aims to address the rising number of turtle strandings and illnesses in the region while incorporating Indigenous knowledge into conservation efforts.
The ‘UniSC Milbi Centre – Sea Turtle Research and Rehabilitation’ will serve as a hub for critical research and rescue efforts, with strong cultural significance and collaboration with the Butchulla people.
UniSC Vice-Chancellor Professor Helen Bartlett highlighted the centre’s location and its connection to Indigenous heritage.
“Milbi is the Butchulla word for sea turtle, and the Dayman Park site holds great cultural significance for the Butchulla people,” Professor Bartlett said.
She emphasised that Butchulla knowledge, cultural advice, and traditional protocols would play an integral role in shaping the centre’s goals, ensuring conservation efforts align with community values.
Professor Bartlett visited the site alongside key partners, and the initiative secured significant government backing, including $250,000 in federal funding and an additional $1.17 million from the Queensland Government.
“The support from all levels of government—federal, state, and local—demonstrates the importance of protecting our threatened sea turtles,” Professor Bartlett said.
The centre, set for completion mid-year, will transform a disused scout hall into a state-of-the-art facility featuring a specialised life support system and both indoor and outdoor rehabilitation tanks.
These facilities will allow turtles to receive local treatment before being released back into the ocean, easing pressure on existing facilities.
The construction comes at a critical time, as extreme weather events have underscored the vulnerability of marine wildlife.
Since 2022, turtle strandings and deaths have reached unprecedented levels, with over 1,400 turtles rescued and 360 requiring transport to distant care facilities.
“There has also been an increase in diseased turtles, with many suffering from a new soft-shell syndrome,” she said.
“UniSC researchers are working to determine the cause.”
Scientists suspect environmental stressors such as rising ocean temperatures, pollution, and habitat degradation may be contributing factors.
Research at the Milbi Centre will be key to identifying the disease’s causes and finding solutions.
The centre will not only focus on rehabilitation but will also drive research on strandings, disease outbreaks, and climate change impacts.
With six of the world’s seven sea turtle species found in the region, its work is expected to have global significance.
Butchulla Native Title Aboriginal Corporation General Manager Veronica Bird praised the initiative, welcoming Indigenous and scientific collaboration.
“Milbi are of cultural and spiritual significance to the Butchulla People,” Bird said.
“Combining science with traditional knowledge will provide a way forward to protect our turtles.”
The project is part of the Hinkler Regional Deal, aimed at fostering economic growth in the Hervey Bay-Bundaberg region.
By creating jobs in marine science, animal care, and environmental research, the centre is expected to have lasting economic benefits while advancing conservation.
Ongoing funding and community support will be crucial to ensuring its success.
Professor Bartlett emphasised that continuous investment from government bodies and the public will be key in maintaining operations and expanding research.
“This facility represents hope for our marine life,” she said.
“It will allow us to take immediate action in rescuing and rehabilitating sea turtles.”
With its unique blend of scientific research, Indigenous wisdom, and community involvement, the UniSC Milbi Centre is poised to become a world-class facility dedicated to protecting sea turtles
and preserving the marine ecosystem for generations to come.
