City aquarium targets future
THE Federal Government has finally recognised the enormous contribution the soon-to-be opened $50 million Cairns Aquarium will make to research and educate people about the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics.
The government has announced it will provide nearly $1 million towards a $2 million Reef and rainforest education centre at the aquarium.
The aquarium is not just about showing us the marvels of the Reef and rainforest waterways.
It will educate people and help researchers find ways to protect and enhance the huge natural wonder.
Climate change is a real issue and the research by the centre will help towards preserving the Reef.
The aquarium will give a real and easy insight to the Reef which is so integral to our multi-billion dollar tourism industry.
There has been doom and gloom, such as Crown of Thorns starfish outbreaks and two significant coral bleaching events, but the aquarium will be a celebration of all that is so amazing about the Reef.
It will be easily accessible to residents, visitors and and tourists.
In the countdown to the opening next month, workers on the site have been regaling tales of how exciting the aquarium will be.
The construction and jobs provided in the last couple of years have been one of the few shining lights in the city in recent times
It’s a tribute to founders Daniel Leipnik and Andrew Preston, who have taken a huge risk, but they will be so proud of their achievement in just a few weeks. Nick Dalton nick.dalton@news.com.au
FOR THE RECORD: A brief in the Cairns Post on Tuesday, August 1 said there was free entry to the Cairns Art Museum on Saturday, August 5. This was incorrect. There is free entry into the Cairns Art Gallery on Saturday. The Cairns Post is committed to accurate, fair and fearless publication of news and commentary. But we acknowledge and aim to promptly correct errors when they occur. Corrections, clarifications and explanations the newspaper wishes to make will appear in this space. If you are aware of an error in this newspaper, please contact editorial@cairnspost.com.au or phone 4052 6627.