Residents have applauded Gunnedah council’s financial assistance package for Waterways Wildlife Park.
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The popular tourist attraction had been unable to meet government licensing requirements and faced shutting its gates for good. But on Wednesday, council announced $100,000 in financial aid to ensure the park could continue operating.
Among those to offer their gratitude via the Namoi Valley Independent’s Facebook page was Patricia Rolls.
“I am so happy that the park is staying open,” Ms Rolls said.
“The town wouldn't be a town without the wildlife park, I love the park and it's very popular.”
Also offering their support was June Kempster.
“Love the park,” Ms Kempster said. “When I have visitors from other places I always take them to the park.”
She suggested the park could benefit from more volunteers to help keep the Gunnedah icon running.
Linda Sanon said: “Awesome news for Col and Nancy, great Gunnedah stalwarts, and well done Gunnedah Shire Council for recognising the importance of Waterways Wildlife Park to our community.”
Verna Harford was happy to hear the park’s good news.
“So pleased Waterways is staying open. Thanks Gunnedah Shire Council,” Ms Harford said.
Also sharing their appreciation were park owners Col and Nancy Small.
“We are very fortunate to have the support of our local community and our local council,” Mrs Small said.
A NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) spokesperson would not comment on the park’s licensing arrangements.
“DPI is working with Gunnedah Shire Council and Waterways Wildlife Park regarding ongoing compliance matters and is not able to make any further comment at this time,” the spokesperson said on Friday.
One of the wildlife park’s big draw-cards was the koala. The native marsupial and Gunnedah icon will be the focus of a special presentation on Tuesday to help community better protect the koala.
The NSW Department of Planning and Environment was also working with councils to better conserve and manage vegetation that provides habitat for koalas.
Improvements were being made to assist councils prepare comprehensive plans of management; make it clearer to assess proposals that might impact koala habitat; update the list of tree species and definitions of koala habitat and ensure koala habitat was considered early in the strategic planning process.
“Koalas are one of our most recognisable and iconic native animals and what this change will do is better preserve areas that are vital to their survival,” a department spokesperson said.
