Cairns could become home to the world’s largest marine enclosure, with plans unveiled by a private equity firm to build an aquarium to house humpback whales.
$10-million in funding for a feasibility study has received bipartisan support ahead of the federal election.
The announcement comes in the same week that Douglas Shire Council approved a $317-million surf park resort for a site just south of Port Douglas.
Marine Wonders Group is behind the latest project, which would provide a temporary home for beached or injured mammals for whom there is currently no rehabilitation centre.
Managing Director John Baleen has told Tropic Now he is in talks with marine rescue groups, Ports North and the Cairns Regional Council to build the enclosure on the mudflats of the Esplanade.
##BA##
##PQ##
“It’s the most ambitious project of its kind globally and would attract visitors from all over the world.
“We believe we have the experts with the technical know-how to make this happen.”
Far North Queensland is the northern-most region of the annual whale migration from Antarctica.
Artist’s impressions viewed by Tropic Now include designs for a 200-metre-long tank to house even the largest of the mammals, which can grow up to 17 metres.
It would be 50 metres deep and 50 metres wide to allow for a turning circle.
With the capacity to hold 500 million litres of water, it would dwarf the world’s current largest tank at China’s Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, which can hold just over 48 million litres.
Tempered glass 15 metres thick would ensure the strength of the facility.
Early estimations put the project cost at $25-billion, with an unnamed philanthropist promising funding for both construction and ongoing operation of the free attraction.
Swimming with the whales, however, would come at a cost.
Initial forecasts predict the new tank would draw a million people to the region per day.
PS. Happy April Fool’s Day!
