Non-profit unveils plan for WA’s first turtle rehab facility at Exmouth’s Ningaloo Centre

The State’s first permanent turtle rehabilitation centre could be in Exmouth after the local government agreed to investigate a business case for a new facility. Ningaloo Aquarium and Turtle Rehabilitation Centre’s proposal to be located at the Ningaloo Centre was put forward at the recent council meeting at the request of Ningaloo Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Centre. The motion for the Shire chief executive to investigate the business case was passed passed 4-1. Shire president Matt Niikkula said the rehabilitation centre would likely be a small purpose-built indoor facility with turtle hospital tanks and laboratory facilities. “Surprisingly there are no purpose-built turtle rehabilitation centres in Western Australia,” he said. “Currently, injured turtles are taken to temporary facilities located in Broome, Perth or Bunbury or, if they cannot be appropriately housed, then left in their natural environment.” The proposal came before the council after volunteers approached the Shire for assistance in providing a permanent facility. “Our beaches at the Ningaloo Coast are important nesting grounds for green, loggerhead, and hawksbill turtles,” Mr Niikkula said. “The construction of such a facility could significantly impact turtle conservation through active rehabilitation and education. “The development of a facility, especially with other invested stakeholders, will open incredible opportunities regarding environmental education and, therefore, help us protect the pristine environment we live in here in the Ningaloo region and the whole of WA.” Mr Niikkula said the proposed business case would investigate volunteer and research opportunities and ongoing employment opportunities for aquarium technicians and tour guides. “Council also aims to work exclusively with local traders, creating additional employment for our local contractors over the construction phase,” he said. “Promoting our turtles and how to save them will also be beneficial to strengthen our seasonal shoulder periods and thus directly contribute to increasing the opportunity for year-round employment opportunities.”