Crocodiles and international students will be making their way to boost tourism in Gunnedah when the new koala park opens.
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The leathery reptiles will form part of their own attraction at the tourist park, whereas students from around the globe will come to the shire to work with animals in the park.
CaPTA Group research and development manager Andrew Hearn said both the crocodiles and the international student program were drawcards to the park.
"They're very successful in other parks and I don't see why [they] wouldn't be a success in Gunnedah as well," Mr Hearn said.
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The crocodiles have their own display at CaPTA Group's parks, where park guests can watch the giant crocs being fed while learning a bit about them.
Mr Hearn said the different climate in Gunnedah compared to tropical North Queensland would mean an altered enclosure would be needed.
"The crocodile enclosures in Gunnedah would require heating for the winter months," he said.
International students would also boost tourism in Gunnedah by staying at local hotels and motels for CaPTA's volunteer programs.
Students choose from four, six, or eight week programs, and "get to do everything that keepers do on a day-to-day basis under direct supervision".
"We find that a lot of the students are recent graduates either looking to do this as part of a larger trip to Australia or with a real passion of working with animals and conservation and we see these programs as a way to give back in a structured manner," Mr Hearn said.
What's next?
The research and development manager said he was in Gunnedah three weeks ago with other CaPTA directors for the next stage in the process.
They were there "to meet with potential architects and begin planning for koala food plantations".
"We were looking at potential sites, availability and the soil conditions to determine which species of eucalypt would grow best," he said.
Other features of the park will include a eucalypt plantation, themed accommodation, restaurant and function area, and mini golf course.
Future stages may include a ropes course and zip lining, and Indigenous history education and showcase area.
It will be built next to Balcary Park on the Oxley Highway.