After more than 18 months of construction, Taronga Western Plains Zoo has opened a new hire facility.
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The previous facility was constructed in the late 1970s and director Steve Hinks said it hadn’t been touched much since.
The facility will house almost 500 bikes and 40 safari carts. It also includes a fully-functional mechanics shed.
“Last year we have just over 35,000 people hire bikes or carts to experience the zoo, this year we’re on track to exceed that number and I think with this new facility it will certainly drive new people in so I’m looking forward to a big year,” Mr Hinks said.
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Project manager Grant Clissold from David Payne Constructions said he had really enjoyed the work.
“There would have been about 30 local subcontractors and tradies working on the project throughout the time from electricians to shed builders and concreters,” he said.
Mr Clissold said the company had done multiple projects at the zoo recently, including the Lion Pridelands.
Mr Hinks said the facility also contained 80 kilowatts of solar panels on the roof, which is enough to power 26 houses.
“Being a conservation society, Taronga Western Plains Zoo puts a very high price on the environment and for us to be as sustainable as possible is incredibly important . By the end of this year we aim to be carbon-neutral as a site so this hire facility is a massive step forward in the diction to achieving that goal,” he said.