Too many sea turtles were being found stranded, sick and injured. Now, a UniSC-led research and rehabilitation centre is helping give endangered marine turtles their best chance of survival.
The UniSC Milbi Centre – Sea Turtle Research and Rehabilitation, located on the Hervey Bay foreshore, is now providing around-the-clock care for sick and injured turtles rescued from the Fraser Coast – a hotspot for recorded marine strandings in Queensland.
It is also a dedicated research base to better understand and help protect vulnerable turtle species worldwide.
UniSC Vice‑Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett said the concept for the centre was developed after an unprecedented increase in turtle strandings and deaths in the region following extreme weather events in 2021-22.
“In response, UniSC joined together with Turtles in Trouble Rescue and the Butchulla Native Title Aboriginal Corporation to a deliver a solution,” Professor Bartlett said.
“Thankfully, while we are no longer seeing sick, injured and diseased turtles in such devastating numbers, they remain in a tough fight for survival and face risks from more extreme weather events in the future.
“That is why the Milbi Centre – named after the local Butchulla word for sea turtle – matters. It will give the six endangered marine turtle species found in the region a fighting chance.
“It will be a lifesaver for many sea turtles. A place to receive immediate care and recover before being released back in the ocean near where they were found.
“Others will be assessed and stabilised before being transported to animal hospitals at the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast for further specialised care.
“Importantly, the centre will integrate this rehabilitation with scientific research, traditional Butchulla knowledge, education opportunities and community engagement.”
More than 50 sea turtles are expected to be treated at the centre each year, supported by on-call specialist staff and veterinary services and a turtle life support system with indoor and outdoor tanks.
Every rescued turtle will help save its species
Lead researcher Professor Kathy Townsend said the research activities at the centre would help to inform sea turtle conservation worldwide.
“Every turtle that comes to the centre has a story, and what they tell us will contribute to better understanding the threats they face – and help to save their species,” Professor Townsend said.
“So, while the focus is local, the impact will be global.
“This includes providing evidence-based insights on improving rehabilitation outcomes, new research on disease detection and AI-based turtle tracking, as well as expanding global knowledge of the impacts of marine debris, habitat changes and climate change.
“The centre will be a training ground for the next generation of marine scientists, offering hands-on training to UniSC students and early career researchers.”
Governments united in support for Milbi Centre
Funding from all levels of government supported the establishment of the centre, including $250,000 from the Australian Government’s Hinkler Regional Deal and $1.17 million from the Queensland Government.
The Fraser Coast Regional Council provided an unused building that was transformed into the dedicated rehabilitation and research facility.
Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain said the new centre would care for local turtle populations while supporting long term employment opportunities and economic growth in the Fraser Coast region.
“We are working across all levels of government to preserve one of Australia’s most diverse and breathtaking natural environments.”
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell MP said the centre was a major boost for marine turtle protection.
“We are backing practical conservation that delivers real results today and safeguards turtle populations for the future.
“Alongside The Crisafulli Government’s commitment to deliver five new wildlife hospitals and funding through the Nest to Ocean program, this investment shows Queensland’s clear commitment to protecting our unique marine life.”
Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said this was an excellent partnership between all three levels of government, community groups and the University of the Sunshine Coast.
"By repurposing this former scout hall for the UniSC Milbi Centre, we’re turning an unused community asset into a purpose-built facility that will help rescue and rehabilitate injured turtles for years to come,” he said.
Cr Seymour paid tribute to Turtles in Trouble volunteers, saying they “do an amazing job rescuing turtles in distress and coordinating their rehabilitation.”
“Moment of hope and inspiration”
Chairperson of the Butchulla Native Title Aboriginal Corporation Shawn Wondunna-Foley said the opening of the Milbi Centre was a moment of “hope and inspiration, a moment of partnership, and a moment of possibility”.
“It is a sign of what we can achieve when we come together with respect, understanding and a shared vision for the future.
“For the Butchulla People, the Milbi is a symbol of resilience, of balance, and of the interconnectedness of all living things within Sea Country.”
“The Milbi Centre represents a commitment to protecting this sacred connection. It is a place where science and culture meet, where knowledge is shared and where the health of Sea Country is prioritised for the benefit of all.”
Help save the milbi
Professor Helen Bartlett said the next step was to secure operational funding support from government, business and industry and the community.
“This will be essential to ensure ongoing specialist care is available when turtles need it most,” Professor Bartlett said.
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