Apollo Bay nature park scores $15m grant

A NEW nature park that will showcase the region’s native animals has received further government support.

The Conservation Ecology Centre will create a new tourist attraction, Wildlife Wonders, on a 50-acre site just outside Apollo Bay.

The State Government on Friday announced a $1.5 mil- lion grant for the venture, which will pour its profits back into environmental projects and research.

The park will offer visitors guided tours by conservationists through protected habitat, where native animals can be viewed living freely.

The $9.64 million project has been in development for several years, and has already benefited from a $2 million grant from the Federal Gov- ernment. Regional Development Minister Jaala Pulford said the site’s combination of natural habitat and beauty was unrivalled.

“This project will create 35 jobs for people working in the visitor economy and nature conservation, providing meaningful employment pathways for people in the Otways.”

The Wildlife Wonders experience will be designed by the art director of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies, Brian Massey.

Massey was the landscape designer of the highly successful ‘Hobbiton’ in New Zealand.

Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said visitors loved to see the state’s native fauna.

“We know the 12 Apostles and Shipwreck Coast region attracts two million visits each year, so the Wildlife Wonders project outside Apollo Bay is destined for great things.”