Taronga Western Plains Zoo's new cafe and play area is edging closer towards completion.
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The Waterhole - which will be at the halfway point of the zoo circuit - will include a new cafe, integrated animal exhibits and a water play area.
Zoo director Steve Hinks said the $10.2 million project has passed the halfway point.
The precinct is expected to open in April 2020. It will contain both up-close meerkat and tortoise enclosures, as well as an exhibit for hoofstock, such as camel and zebra.
"We're designing a back-of-house facility that will allow us to shift any of our animals around, far more efficiently and far more easily, so the animals you see at this cafe one day might be completely different the next time you come and visit," Mr Hinks said.
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The Waterhole will also have a water play area that will use a close reticulated system. It can be used by the kids to cool off in the summer, while the water will be turned in the winter for it to be a play area.
Mr Hinks said he had been taking cues from his kids to shape new ideas for the zoo.
"So far this project is going perfectly to plan. We're really excited by what we're seeing. The work that David Payne Constructions have been doing has been second-to-none," Mr Hinks said.
"This is a massive project, it's a very unique project and it's a challenging project for our partners to work on but Grant and his team from David Payne Constructions will agree that once completed this will be an iconic building here and an iconic precinct not only for the zoo but for Dubbo as the whole."
Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders said he would definitely make use of The Waterhole.
"I think that's the point. It's not just for tourists, it's not just for visitors, but also for locals. We've seen the zoo change in the last five years.... you can be there for a range of activities without having to come and visit the animals and that's what more and more people want to do," Mr Saunders said.
He said one of the most exciting parts of the development was that it was employing local people through David Payne Constructions.
David Payne Constructions project manager Grant Clissold said there were about 60 staff working on The Waterhole.
"It's great to be doing this project in our backyard. We're all very happy to be part of this job and when we're finished to have our name on it," he said.
The job hasn't been without its challenges. Mr Clissold said he would be happy when the cafe section was complete as it had been difficult to construct.
The Midpoint Cafe will operate until The Waterhole opens.