Moondyne Country Convention Centre owners Christine and Peter Nott are devastated that plans for Western Australia’s first Open Range Zoo, proposed to be built in the 700 hectare area owned by the Department of Parks and Wildlife, in the Avon Valley National Park surrounding their property, will most likely be shelved due to the change of government.
The couple have spent the last two years planning and designing a boutique hotel to complement the enormous tourist attraction which was formally announced by former Premier Colin Barnett on 1 November last year – before the election.
“This is a truly spectacular site next to the Avon Valley National Park that has all the features needed to make an open range zoo attractive to international visitors,” Premier Colin Barnett said when introducing the concept to the public for the first time.
“The landscape and vistas are striking, exceeding those of other open range zoos in Australia, and even globally. This site could become a world class attraction,” he added.
There’s no disputing the site is amazing, with the Perth Zoo CEO Susan Hunt commenting at the time that, “It’s the best open range zoo terrain in the world.”
Christine and Peter’s in-depth research indicated a hotel on the Moondyne Country Convention Centre site, which directly borders the area designated for the zoo, would be a hot-spot for tourist groups coming directly from Asia.
“The initial design of the hotel was strongly influenced by the idea of showcasing the beauty this part of the Avon Valley provides and has a very eco-friendly approach to design and appearance,” says Peter.
The Nott’s initial cost estimates indicated $14 million dollars would be needed to complete the hotel and restaurant which would feature 270 degree views from the large sweeping multi-level decks and would provide an alternative for locals looking for a week-end outing as well as overseas visitors.
“The hotel is proposed to include 30 identical rooms catering to tourist groups on the eastern side as well as family suites, luxury rooms and a penthouse on the top floor – all with magical views,” says Peter.
Provision was also made in the design for an independently leased luxury day spa and a retail shop specifically for local and regional goods. It was intended that the hotel reception would also handle the bookings for the glamour camping sites to be constructed by the Department of Parks and Wildlife as part of the zoo.
With the Avonlink rail line at the base of the valley, a cable car featuring a spectacular ride up the sheer hill to the venue was also included in the plans, as well as an upgrade of the 7.5 kilometer gravel driveway.
Moondyne Country Convention Centre, which currently offers a unique setting for weddings and conferences with chalet accomodation for up to 26 people, is certainly not the only local business which would benefit from the go-ahead of the zoo. Local tourist operators and businesses all over the region were poised to cash-in on the influx of visitors this amazing idea would bring to the region – with over 500,000 visitors going through the gates at Werribee Open Range Zoo in Victoria each year, there’s little doubt open range zoos can command tourist dollars.
Member for the Agricultural Region Hon Martin Aldridge MLC was extremely disappointed to learn that the project is unlikely to go ahead under the McGowan Government.
“The Labor Government this week confirmed a multi-billion dollar plan to extend passenger rail to Ellenbrook and at the same time cancelled more regional projects to fund it,” he stated.
“The proposed open range zoo near Chittering would have created economic stimulus and boosted local tourism opportunity for nearby regions, including Perth.”
Although the zoo falls under City of Swan, it’s position, with the entry just off Chittering Road would undoubtedly benefit the Shire of Chittering, who welcomed the news late last year.
The Shire’s President, Cr Gordon Houston said, “Development like this within and adjacent to the Chittering and Northern Valleys region is important on a number of levels: it helps stimulate much needed economic growth in the area by attracting large numbers of visitors, both local and tourists; and helps the Shire of Chittering and neighbouring local governments showcase the other fantastic opportunities which already exist within their areas.”
“The shires north of Perth are working together to develop longer-stay tourism and visitor experiences and the zoo would be a significant draw-card to the area. From a conservation perspective, it would be great to see the State Government support Perth Zoo management as they continue to develop their place amongst the world’s leaders in sustainable exotic and endangered species management,” he added.
The open range zoo would complement the Perth Zoo’s South Perth site, enabling the zoo to showcase animals from the African savannah such as white rhinoceros, giraffes, African painted dogs, hamadryas baboons, plains zebras, African tawny lions and Asian elephants in a natural habitat.
Perth Zoo needs more space to breed herd species including Asian elephants, which is just not possible at it’s current busting-at-the-seams site. An open range zoo would provide the right conditions to expand efforts to support the global Asian elephant breeding program and other similar long-term conservation plans.
If you support the go-ahead of the Open Range Zoo you can like the Facebook page, @SaveOurOpenRangeZoo
