Margaret River-Busselton Tourism Association unveils future plans for Capes Raptor Centre

The Capes’ leading tourism authority has revealed more of its plans for the former Eagles Heritage attraction. Recently rebranded as the Capes Raptor Centre, the site bought by the Margaret River-Busselton Tourism Association in 2021 was added to the group’s portfolio as part of its Capes Foundation division. The foundation, helmed by recently retired former Augusta-Margaret River shire president Steve Harrison, was geared towards a conservation element amid efforts to refocus the local tourism industry towards a sustainable future. As part of those efforts, ambitions slated the Capes Raptor Centre at the forefront of international conservation-based tourism and education. Those moves were celebrated at the official re-opening held last month. Work would now progress on additional upgrades to the facility created by Phil and Kathy Pain in 1987, with the retired bird carers in full support of the site’s future. MRBTA would build a new flight arena for the centre’s birds including three fixed semi-dome structures featuring improved access and dedicated wheelchair spaces. The raptors themselves would benefit from improved facilities, including the temporary housing for native birds of prey nursed back to health at the site. Mr Harrison told the Times the centre was poised to become a world-leading facility, reflecting a dedication to advancing the welfare of raptors and enhancing the visitor experience. “Our vision is to create a world-class facility that not only cares for raptors, but also inspires and educates our visitors,” Mr Harrison said. “These upgrades are crucial steps in our journey to becoming a leading centre for raptor conservation and education.” Work included new aviaries and refurbishment of existing aviaries, expanded parking, new interpretive signs, and a revamp of the “Birds of Prey Forest Walk”. Seasonal “nodes” would be added to offer insight into year-round bird behaviours as well as the cultural significance of local raptors.