Reef HQ aquarium upgrade stalls over funding shortfall, triggering war of words
The planned demolition and upgrade of Reef HQ is stuck in a holding pattern after the federal minister said insufficient money had been allocated towards the project. See why.
Townsville
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A planned $80m makeover of the Reef HQ aquarium in Flinders St has stalled due to funding issues, making it likely that a new aquarium’s opening would be pushed back again from the stated deadline of 2026.
In 2022, the federal agency the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) announced plans to demolish the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium rather than to redevelop it.
GBRMPA General Manager Ian Walker revealed last June that it was restoring the tourism landmark’s original name – The Great Barrier Reef Aquarium – and working to design and submit development applications “in the next three months” to deliver a modern educational facility.
With no visible changes at the site, including the remaining aquarium’s demolition, GBRMPA referred questions about the project to Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek.
The minister confirmed that the federal government was working with the state and local governments on the next steps for the Reef HQ project.
“The Liberals and Nationals promised a refurbished Reef HQ but didn’t budget enough money to deliver it. Labor is once again cleaning up their mess,” Ms Plibersek said.
It is understood that the project was waiting on additional funding to be allocated in the upcoming federal budget before an updated timeline could be provided.
Herbert MP Phillip Thompson responded saying the $80m he secured from the Townsville City Deal for the refurbishment of Reef HQ was the total cost of the project at the time.
“Since the Albanese Labor Government has come to power, it has turned into a full knockdown and rebuild, and the project timeline has blown out several years,” Mr Thompson said.
“The minister has not communicated any reasons why she significantly increased the scope of the project, despite me asking multiple questions of her in parliament.
“It is up to the (federal) government to explain why it’s taking so long and is apparently now over budget.”
Mr Thompson planned to ask these questions this week at a briefing he requested weeks ago.
A Townsville City Council spokesman said the council was supportive of the project and would work constructively with all parties involved to see the construction of the new aquarium.
Providing an update on the relocation of the wildlife and coral, a GBRMPA spokesman said the aquarium’s focus was working with the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) to prepare for the temporary relocation of rock, sand, fish, invertebrates and coral from the coral reef exhibit and other tanks.
“The movement of animals and stock is complex and being done carefully over several months to ensure the welfare of animals,” they said.
“The Reef Authority will provide further information on the project in the coming months following the successful agistment of animals to AIMS.”
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Originally published as Reef HQ aquarium upgrade stalls over funding shortfall, triggering war of words
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