A new $94.6 million support package to help zoos and aquariums across Australia through the COVID-19 crisis has the full support of Taronga Western Plains Zoo.
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The federal government threw the sector a lifeline on Tuesday, with the funding to help with fixed operational costs associated with animal care, among them food and health, and utilities directly relating to housing.
Zoos and aquariums have been dealing with a sudden loss of revenue after closing to visitors in line with coronavirus restrictions.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Regional Development Michael McCormack said zoos and aquariums would continue to be crucial to the visitor economies of many regional towns when their doors opened again.
"Whether it be Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, the Ocean Park Aquarium over in Shark Bay or the Darling Downs Zoo up in Queensland, these attractions are major tourism drawcards for our regional areas," he said.
"Keeping our regional zoos and aquariums in the best shape possible as we deal with this pandemic will be vital to helping regional communities get back on their feet, sustaining local jobs."
No visitors have been through the gates of the zoo at Dubbo for more than a month.
A spokeswoman for the zoo, a global player in conservation efforts and Dubbo's premier tourist attraction, said it was "fully supportive" of the package.
"Given their major contribution to conservation, community wellbeing, education and tourism, we believe Australian zoos and aquariums have a strong and compelling case for increased federal government financial support," she said.
"The funding support granted will be crucial for supporting zoos and aquariums through this difficult time so they can play their part in Australia as a nation recovering from this crisis and getting back on track."
The spokeswoman highlighted some of the challenges the sector faced.
"Zoos and aquariums cannot use a hibernation approach when the high costs of maintaining animal care and welfare are impossible to put on hold," she said.
"With businesses closed to visitors and no admissions income for an unknown length of time, covering costs like food, power and veterinary support present a significant challenge."
The zoo spokeswoman said the organisation did not have further information on exact allocation of funds.
"However, we are well supported by the NSW government and our community and remain committed and focused on our goals to promote a shared future for wildlife and people," she said.
Eligible exhibiting zoos and aquariums will have access to a grant that contributes towards up to six months of its animal welfare operating costs, the government reports.
This includes animal feed, enclosure, health and other specialised care expenses, and utilities directly related to the housing and caring for animals.
In addition to this support to help with operational costs, zoos and aquariums who meet the criteria will be able to apply for the JobKeeper program to assist with staffing costs.
Austrade will work with the Zoo and Aquarium Association to identify eligible members, as well as state and territory tourism organisations to identify non-members which may be eligible for financial assistance.
Federal tourism minister Simon Birmingham said the initiative would provide vital assistance for Australia's exhibiting zoos and aquariums that had been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"This will be a lifeline for these popular tourism attractions across Australia who have had many of their revenue streams dry up during this crisis," Mr Birmingham said.
"It's absolutely crucial our iconic zoos and aquariums can still operate on the other side and play a major role in helping our tourism industry to recover from this.
"We know our world-class zoos and aquariums are major tourism drawcards for many of our major cities and regional centres across Australia, with over 20 million visitors walking through the gates each year.
"We also shouldn't underestimate the huge positive flow-on effects our zoos and aquariums provide to our economy.
"They bring thousands of visitors into communities who then spend millions of dollars visiting other attractions, sleeping in our hotels and dining in our restaurants."
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