Marine centre in works
AN EDUCATIONAL science centre could be part of the redevelopment of a historic space on Flinders St.
New details have emerged about the Port of Townsville’s project to develop the land between Reef HQ and the Museum of Tropical Queensland at 68 Flinders St East.
James Cook University, the Australian Institute of Marine Science and CSIRO are looking to have a presence in the project, which JCU has labelled the “Tropical Marine Science Centre of Excellence”.
AIMS chief finance officer Basil Ahyick said everyone involved saw an opportunity to create a leading centre for “edu- tourism” based near or around Reef HQ.
“Collaborations options are being explored about how a joint presence of the partners could facilitate the understanding of the vital work going on to protect the Great Barrier Reef and reefs in general,” he said.
Mr Ahyick said the requirements, funding and location of such a space were still to be determined and were being explored by a working group.
It’s understood the organisations were also looking at other sites in the area to develop a precinct.
The expression of interest documents published by Townsville Port, urge developers to consult with JCU and AIMS. However, neither JCU or AIMS are formally committed to being involved with the development.
Mr Ahyick said it was expected the group’s work would finish in the third quarter of this year. The only presence AIMS has in the city is a vessel berthing facility at the Port of Townsville.
“AIMS is excited about the potential to present its science and capability to a broader audience in ( a) Townsville CBD location but this would not be a working facility but in fact a public presence,” Mr Ahyick said.
JCU vice- chancellor Professor Sandra Harding said the university had been working with the port, AIMS and GBRMPA, and more recently the CSIRO, on the proposal for a tropical marine science centre of excellence.
“Townsville is the obvious choice to be the epicentre of aquaculture and tropical marine science in Australia,” she said.
Prof Harding said JCU’s global reputation meant the university was a key partner in any development.
“There is a real sense of excitement for us to be working with all the partners on a project that would showcase Townsville’s expertise in marine science, coral reef management, tropical marine solutions and sustainable food production industries,” Prof Harding said.
“This development holds real economic returns in prospect too.”
Townsville Enterprise tourism and events director Bridget Woods said TEL was very supportive of the new development in the old Wonderland complex.
“It fits into our edu- tourism strategy, where we are currently working with students from the US and potentially Singapore in the future,” she said.
Expressions of interest for the project closed earlier this month and were advertised locally, nationally and internationally.
A request for proposals is expected on September 10 and delivery of the project by December 2020.