Plans have been revealed for a brand new Global Great Barrier Reef Centre of Excellence which will change the face of Townsville city and waterfront.
Budget advocacy has begun with the Federal Government for funding to develop a precinct that will feature a state the of art Great Barrier Reef Aquarium, as a catalyst to unlock $500M of investment.
Townsville Enterprise, Townsville City Council, and the Port of Townsville has unveiled the development plans to revitalise and reimagine the first of three new Townsville Waterfront Precincts.
The centrepiece of the new precinct is the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium with a renewed focus on cementing Townsville North Queensland’s credentials as the world leader in education and marine science for the Great Barrier Reef.
Whilst Reef HQ, the largest living coral reef aquarium in the world, the new precinct will see the Aquarium redeveloped to be a more educational, immersive and sustainable experience.
It will enable and foster greater collaboration amongst the world’s leading marine science facilities, including Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, AIMS (Australian Institute of Marine Science) and James Cook University.
Claudia Brumme-Smith, CEO of Townsville Enterprise says that a reimagined waterfront will be a transformative evolution in the city’s lifestyle, education, cultural and entertainment offering
“This is an exciting opportunity for Townsville – to put us on the global stage for reef protection and marine science. We have been working closely behind the scenes to secure a proud community vision for transforming our waterfront to showcase our world leading expertise in marine science, but at the same time enhance the liveability and attraction of our city.
“The Great Barrier Reef Aquarium is at the centre of the first phase of this important redevelopment, but its more than just the world largest living coral reef aquarium. This new precinct will be the Great Barrier Reef’s front facing educational showcase, solidifying our region as the number one global education and marine science epicentre, that we are.
“We know the Great Barrier Reef is under pressure, and it is through a collaborative scientific approach, as well as educating the community and globe, that we can solve the challenges together. This aquarium is a big part of the solution, but the precinct will also enable a larger benefit for our region.”
“We are calling for the Federal Government to support this transformative precinct.”
