Waterways had a difficult decision this month: accept the terms handed to them or risk it all on the whole-hearted belief what they are doing was right.
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There was no easy answer and whichever path they chose was fraught with complications and potential repercussions.
If they took the option to agree with the Sydney park manager’s assessment and reduce their animal species to just a handful, temporary or not, they would have struggled to survive. Waterways staff said the arrangements meant even the park’s koalas, a mainstay of their business, were on the hit list. They said other popular attractions like the bird of prey were also to go.
The preliminary assessment said the park is not viable under current arrangements given the ratio of animals to the number of volunteers required to maintain upkeep. The were also concerns around funding. But how do you itemise the generous support of community and sponsors? You can’t, you just humbly accept and pray for more good-hearted souls tomorrow.
But the assessment was probably right and Nancy and her tireless volunteers were the first to admit they need more help, especially mid-week, to keep functioning to level required. But the alternative, to do away with more than half of the exhibits, would also have been detrimental to the operation and its popularity among tourists and the local community. Few people would be willing to be pay to see a handful of kangaroos and the odd emu. Koalas pin Gunnedah on the map. It even says it on the sign approaching to town. They might say the koala relocation is only temporary but who knows when or if they would ever return to Gunnedah, the koala capital.
It’s a tough decision which road to take and I echo the sentiments of Gunnedah mayor Jamie Chaffey who said last week he respected the call of Nancy and her Waterways team to forge their path on the issue. But the Department of Primary Industries has its own agenda and standards to uphold. Waterways has had its chances and has been read its rights. If it doesn’t come good on this final, 11th hour plea bargain, I feel its fate is as good as buried and the park will close forever.
That’s why we must rally to the cause and support Nancy and her team with everything we’ve got. Never underestimate the power of community. The park is screaming out for volunteers and we can all do our bit to help this Gunnedah treasure.
