As part of the holistic approach to the Aquarium’s redevelopment, the popular tourism destination will remove ‘Reef HQ’ from its title and return to its first name – Great Barrier Reef Aquarium.
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Reef Authority) General Manager – Major Projects Ian Walker said reclaiming the name was evidence of the Reef Authority’s dedication to deliver a state-of-the-art educational and cultural facility to represent one of the world’s most spectacular eco-systems, the Great Barrier Reef.
“Reclaiming the Townsville landmark facility to its original name reaffirms our commitment to build the Australian Government’s National Education Centre for the Great Barrier Reef. We continue to work with our Townsville-based principal contractor, Paynters, to design a modern facility which will feature sustainable engineering and architectural innovation, durability, and creativity to deliver a world-class Aquarium for all to enjoy,” Mr Walker said.
“On current planning, we are hopeful of submitting a Development Application to Townsville City Council in the next three months. More detail in relation to the development will be publicly available through that process.”
The new Aquarium will incorporate modern technology, interactive digital exhibits and displays, plus co-designing some key exhibits with the Wulgurukaba Traditional Owners will highlight their connection to sea country throughout the facility.
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The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority acknowledges the expertise, wisdom, and enduring connections that have informed the guardianship of the Reef for millennia. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners as the first managers of this land and sea Country, and value their traditional knowledge which continues to inform the current management and stewardship of the Reef for future generations. We pay our respects to the Gurambilbarra Wulgurukaba Traditional Owners on whose land the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium is situated on. We acknowledge their connection to Country and are honoured to be collaborating with the Gurambilbarra Wulgurukaba community to co-design exhibits highlighting culture values and connections to sea Country.