THE
once popular Turtle Sands Tourist Park adjoining the world-famous Mon
Repos turtle rookery in Queensland may be
destined for a new lease of life.
The park has been on the market with CBR Hotels for
some time, with expressions of interest closing on July 7.
Senior Director
Paul Fraser told Caravanning News:
"We are dealing with multiple parties currently on the
property and as of yet it is not sold."
Park owners David and Jenny
Baker planned to transform
their park, which adjoins the world famous Mon Repos turtle rookery,
into a 127-site tourism park with an
accommodation mix to meet the current market.
They pulled down the shutters at the million dollar-view beachside eco
park near Bundaberg in 2010 ... to help protect the
threatened loggerhead, green and flatback species of
marine turtles which frequent the area from December to February.
They switched off its powered sites for caravanners and campers and have
since welcomed only group-style bookings, such as families and friends,
school groups and caravan clubs.
It does not cater for single site bookings or
overnight accommodation.
The Bakers told Caravanning News at the time that they were
concerned bright lights from caravans and tents were discouraging some
endangered turtles from nesting on the beach just metres away.
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|
Turtle
researcher at Mon Repos |
The adjoining Mon Repos Conservation Park is the largest
loggerhead rookery in the southern hemisphere.
Bundaberg Regional Council will soon consider a development application
from the Bakers.
The upgraded caravan park would include caravan sites, glamping
facilities, resort-style pool, playground, larger cabins and
dormitory-style accommodation.
Mr Baker, who has owned the park for about 22 years, told Caravanning
News shortly before closing it to general
tourists that it was not practical to operate for only a few months of the
year.
"I guess people will be disappointed but the reality is
that there is more to consider," he explained.
"It is not a decision we took lightly ... because of the turtles this is
the most sensitive parcel of land in Queensland.
"And as a family we are very conscious of its environmental importance ...
that is why we bought it all those years ago.
"Our children were reared on this site and we are very protective of it.
We do not want to contribute to anything that would damage this fragile
environment."
