18 May 2017
New Australian government abandons plans for AU$200m open-range zoo near Perth
BY Tom Anstey
Plans for an open-range zoo near Perth, Australia, have been scrapped after the new Labor government of Western Australia chose to derail the plans of former premier Colin Barnett.
New premier Mark McGowan, who was sworn into his position in March, said that Labor had never been committed to the idea, which Barnett announced in November with a AU$200m (US$148m, €133m, £144m) price tag and 10 year development timeline. Environment minister Stephen Dawson also confirmed that development of the open-range zoo was not part of the new government’s election commitments.
Originally planned for Lower Chittering, north of Perth, the conservation and recreation reserve was going to allow animals such as giraffes, zebras and rhinoceroses to roam the 7sq km (2.7sq mi) area. The reserve was designed to allow the nearby Perth Zoo to expand its breeding programmes because it cannot facilitate big breeding herds.
Speaking at the time, Barnett said open range zoos held great appeal to the public because they preferred to see exotic animals in open spaces rather than confined to small enclosures.
“This reflects a wider appreciation of animal welfare issues,” he said.
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