Fish relocated to Sea World as GBRMPA announces plans for new aquarium in Townsville

A new reef aquarium is to be built in Townsville promising a world-class tourism experience but it’s opening has been pushed back significantly.

Concept images of Reef HQ Aquarium. Concepts are subject to change.

A new reef aquarium is to be built in Townsville promising a world-class tourism experience but its opening has been pushed back three years to 2026.

Federal agency the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has announced the move saying it now plans to demolish an existing aquarium rather than to redevelop it.

Fish from the aquarium have been relocated to Sea World on the Gold Coast, while its corals are being relocated to the Australian Institute of Marine Science at Cape Ferguson.

“Refurbishing the current facility does not represent the best value for money as it isn’t fit for purpose for the long-term future,” the authority said.

“A new purpose-built building will deliver better long-term value.”

Concept images of Reef HQ Aquarium. Concepts are subject to change.

The Reef HQ aquarium was closed in February last year with an expected reopening in 2023.

Authority Major Projects General Manager Ian Walker said they had been delayed by Covid-19 and associated supply chain and building issues.

Concept images of Reef HQ Aquarium. Concepts are subject to change.

“We are no different to any other person wanting to build something. We have extensive waiting times,” Mr Walker said.

Concept images of Reef HQ Aquarium. Concepts are subject to change.

The aquarium was allocated $40m for an upgrade in 2019. That was increased to $80m last year when federal cash for the Haughton water pipeline project, rejected by the state government, was redirected to the aquarium.

The former marine park offices, IMAX theatre and cultural centre alongside the aquarium in Flinders St were demolished last year.

Mr Walker said the decision to build a new facility opened the way to develop a world-class experience and destination in reef education and tourism.

“It allows us to deliver a cutting-edge and high-quality aquarium for years to come, powered by clean energy, focused on advocating tropical reef education and promoting the significance of the reef as a natural wonder, and the importance of conservation to the world,” Mr Walker said.

Plans for new offices for the authority, to be delivered by the Gleeson Group as part of a new commercial building opposite Reef HQ, have also been delayed.

Managing director of Gleeson Group Therese Smith told the Bulletin this month they had little option but to wait and reconsider the development next year after tender prices came in far in excess of expectations.

The delays are a major setback to hopes for renewal of an area which has languished since reef and ferry operations were removed about 20 years ago.

Originally published as Fish relocated to Sea World as GBRMPA announces plans for new aquarium in Townsville