DECEMBER 2021

Development application lodged with council

Turtle Sands heading for new lease of life

 Story-photos: Dennis Amor
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THE once popular Turtle Sands Tourist Park adjoining the world-famous Mon Repos turtle rookery in Queensland could be destined for a new lease of life.

Owners David and Jenny Baker plan to turn it into a 127-site park with an accommodation mix to meet the current tourism market and have lodged a development application with Bundaberg Regional Council.

They pulled down the shutters at the million dollar-view beachside eco park in 2010 saying they wanted to help protect threatened survivors from the dinosaur age.

They switched off its powered sites and have since welcomed only group-style bookings, such as families and friends, school groups and caravan clubs.

The Bakers told Caravanning News at the time they were concerned bright lights from caravans and tents were discouraging some endangered turtles from nesting on the beach just metres away.

Turtle researcher at Mon Repos

Mr Baker said the decision to close the park to caravanners and campers was taken in the interest of the turtles and hatchlings and to help their survival.

He dismissed claims he was intending to redevelop the site, saying his family was very conscious of the park's environmental importance.

"That is why we bought it all those years ago," he explained.

"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."

The park currently has 106 sites, including six cabins, 65 serviced sites and 35 non-serviced sites.

"On-site facilities will be upgraded to meet market demands and there will continue to be a combined manager's residence/kiosk/office," the development application said.

It is proposed to include a pool, camp kitchen, new amenities building and a pool lounge shelter.

Thousands of eggs are laid in dunes in front of the park and Mon Repos  every season, with only one turtle in a thousand reaching maturity.

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