New Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary exhibit secures federal support
One of the Gold Coast's most iconic attractions has received major Federal Government funding to support the construction of an exciting new exhibit, designed to attract international visitors.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (a National Trust Property) will use the investment of $2,627,500 under Round 5 of the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) to incorporate an Australiana themed precinct into their already popular Kangaroo Paddock.
Member for McPherson Karen Andrews MP said the Gold Coast - particularly the southern Gold Coast - had suffered greatly from the domestic and international border closures.
"This investment in Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary demonstrates that the Morrison Government is committed to ensuring tourists flock back to the Gold Coast when international borders reopen," Mrs Andrews said.
"I'm thrilled our Government is supporting the Sanctuary's vision to make the experience of each visitor better than ever.
"By attracting more tourists, we can support more local jobs and create more economic opportunities to boost our recovery from the impact of the pandemic."
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary General Manager Michael Kelly said the $2.6 million grant is perfectly timed to link in with the recovery of the tourism industry which had been severely impacted.
"This exciting project will now become a reality – appealing to our local members, who have supported us throughout the pandemic, along with new visitors from around the world," Mr Kelly said.
"This new wildlife precinct will include an events centre to support the weddings, conferences and event business that has also been significantly impacted through COVID.
"It is with great thanks and appreciation to the Federal Government for their support of valuable projects such as this – to drive employment and economic value to regional areas as part of the recovery strategy for our industry."
This new precinct is expected to open in mid-2023.
Funding under the BBRF supports economic and social infrastructure for the long-term benefit of regional communities - with a total of $1.38 billion in funding already delivered across nearly 1,300 projects.
Under Round 5 of the BBRF the Federal Government’s committed almost $300 million to support 295 projects across regional Australia, creating almost 10,000 jobs during the project period.
For a full list of successful projects, please visit: www.business.gov.au/bbrf
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