Study backs wildlife museum project

An independent study before Regional Development Victoria has recommended that development of a wildlife arts museum near Halls Gap should be a ‘high priority for government investment’.

The RAM Consulting study into the Wildlife Art Museum of Australia project reported that the vision to create a nationally significant, high-quality, visitor-focused nature, arts and learning focused centre that would bring economic, cultural and social benefits to the region was a compelling one.

The study, the second independent analysis of the concept, backs up supporters’ belief that the museum would bring jobs and tourism to the region.

The museum idea is to establish a wildlife and art precinct in the Halls Gap area, with a gallery, artists’ workshops, educational facilities, botanical gardens and wetlands – all celebrating the relationship between art, science and nature.

Greg Randall from RAM Consulting said the region needed big ideas to realise potential economic growth.

“Tourism in particular is a key growth driver for the region, and large, attractive projects will only enhance the tourism potential generating income and jobs into the future,” he said.

Wildlife Art Museum of Australia, WAMA, chairman Greg Lewin added the project had the potential to bring millions of dollars into the region.

“The building phase alone will create many local jobs, in project management, building and construction, and conservation and landscaping works,” he said.

Some forecast modelling has shown the museum has the potential, by its 10th year of operation, to attract between 150,000 and 250,000 visitors and generate more than $20-million a year.

Victorian Regional Development Minister Jaala Pulford, after a site visit in 2015, wrote to WAMA board members, encouraging them to work closely with Regional Development Victoria to advance the concept.

The board and supporters are now lobbying local government and tourism organisations to support the project.

People seeking more information about the museum project can visit website www.wama.net.au.