Croc research centre to be Irwin memorial

July 20, 2007 07:41pm

STEVE Irwin will be permanently remembered by a crocodile research centre in north Queensland.

The Federal Government will provide $6.25m to buy a 135,000ha property north of Weipa on the Cape York Peninsula for the centre named in Irwin's honour, the Nine Network said tonight.

Nine said the property was hand-picked by the Crocodile Hunter before he was tragically killed in September, 2006.

The naturalist and television star was stung through the heart by a stingray while diving off Port Douglas.

Federal Environment Minister Malcolm Turnbull will officially announce the news alongside Irwin's widow Terri and daughter Bindi at Australia Zoo on Sunday.

The Queensland Government also provided assistance.

Nine said after Terri Irwin approached Premier Peter Beattie, the State Government agreed to extend the lease on the property by 30 years to make the project possible.

"This is a good partnership between the commonwealth and state governments to recognise perhaps one of our greatest Australians," Mr Beattie said to Nine.

"This is a win for crocodile research, it's a tribute to Steve Irwin."

It is understood Terri Irwin will be involved in managing the area and overseeing research.

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,22106601-5003402,00.html