Turtles are now not the only reason to go to Mon Repos with Council at its Ordinary Meeting this morning voting to establish a partnership with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS).
Environment and Natural Resources Portfolio spokesperson Cr Danny Rowleson said the partnership would allow the Turtle Rookery to incorporate information about Bert Hinkler into their education program as well as the possible establishment of a memorial near the beach.
“Annually we have in the vicinity of 30,000 people visiting the turtle rookery during a five month period and the opportunity is there to promote a legend like Bert Hinkler to them.”
“Mon Repos was a vital part of Hinkler’s development as a pioneering aviator as it is where he flew his man carrying gliders for the first time in 1911,” Cr Rowleson said.
“The partnership will also allow cross promotion of the Hinkler Hall of Aviation at the Turtle Rookery and vice versa.”
“Council and QPWS may consider putting in an appropriate monument and interpretive signage to Bert Hinkler as budgets permit,” Cr Rowleson said.
“This cross promotion is a great opportunity as there is often a lot of time spent by tourist waiting for turtles and they are often left to wander around the information centre. Likewise the opportunity exists to promote the aspects of the Mon Repos turtles to an even wider audience at the Hinkler Hall of Aviation.”
Cr. Rowleson said it was envisaged that a video, display monitors as well as printed material would be utilised to promote the Hinkler Hall of Aviation.
“The floods have impacted all industries including tourism and partnerships like these will help recovery and attract tourism and business back to the region.”
26.02.13