National Trust Queensland Currumbin Wildlife Institute Launch and Turning of the Soil

Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support and Minister for Corrective Services, and State Member for Currumbin, the Honourable Laura Gerber MP; Senator for Queensland, Corinne Mulholland; City of Gold Coast Mayor, Councillor Tom Tate; Councillor Gail O’Neill and Councillor Josh Martin; National Trust of Australia (Queensland), President, Mr Mark Townend AM, CEO Ms Jayme Cuttriss, the Board of Directors and Honorary Life Members; staff and supporters of the National Trust and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

Thank you Dr Candice Kruger for your warm Welcome to Country. I too, would like to acknowledge the Original Custodians of the lands on which we’re gathered, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people here today.  

As Governor, and Joint Patron with Graeme of the National Trust of Australia here in Queensland, it is indeed a pleasure to join you on this special occasion–the turning of the first soil for construction of the new Currumbin Wildlife Institute.

This is indeed an important day for all of Queensland–and more crucially for our treasured–and internationally renowned–wildlife species. Since its opening in 1947, the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has held a special place in the hearts of Queenslanders, especially for those growing up in the State’s south-east.  

And it has undoubtedly changed the lives and perspectives of countless interstate and overseas visitors to the Gold Coast, who otherwise may never have been afforded the opportunity to encounter a koala, a wallaby, a bilby, a dingo, an echidna, an emu, or any number of other furry and feathered friends––or indeed, one of 38 species of reptiles kept safe and well here.  

At Government House in Brisbane, which is surrounded by close to 16 hectares of native bushland, Graeme and I have done what we can to continue the legacy of past Vice-Regal inhabitants in protecting as much native fauna and habitat as we can.  

Our incredible Horticulture Team services more than a dozen nesting boxes for up to 68 identified species of native birds and all manner of small mammals, and last year we opened a series of low-impact bushland tracks to ensure that visitors to the Estate could enjoy its natural setting without disturbing the creatures that seek refuge there.  

We view it as part of our small contribution to ongoing efforts to preserve as much of Queensland’s natural environment as possible for the enjoyment of future generations.

The evolution of this place, and the role it has played in safeguarding our iconic wildlife, is remarkable, also:

• from a humble bird sanctuary for lorikeets established by Sir Alex Griffith;
• to an internationally recognised National Trust site, added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 2009; and finally,
• the present-day conceptualisation of a Wildlife Institute with leading-edge strategies to offer the promise of better protection for our imperilled animals, birds and insects.

Concerning reports from the globally respected World Wildlife Fund suggest that some Australian wildlife populations have plummeted by up to 97 per cent, with development, tourism and climate change presenting an ongoing challenge.

Such statistics underscore why the work of the National Trust Currumbin Wildlife Institute is so vital.

Supported through a collaborative partnership between the Federal and Queensland Governments, the Gold Coast Council and a wide network of corporate and philanthropic partners, the new Institute is uniquely placed to build on work already being done in this area and make a real difference.

And speaking of making a difference, I also take this opportunity to congratulate Currumbin Wildlife Hospital’s senior Vet, Dr Michael Pyne OAM, for his role in the Queensland-led research team who delivered the new chlamydia vaccine that is helping to protect our koalas.

Graeme and I thank you all for your magnificent vision, your dedication to science and commitment to educating the many visitors to the Sanctuary. Your efforts will provide immense benefits for South-East Queensland and for our planet into the future–and of course for our precious wildlife, here and now.