Billabong Zoo to benefit from $100 million Federal Government funding package to support zoos and aquariums through COVID-19 crisis

Zoos and aquariums across the country will get almost $100 million in federal funding to help them through the COVID-19 crisis.

The $94.6 million will be used to pay for the cost of caring for animals and keep the operations afloat until travel and other restrictions are eased.

Billabong Zoo owner Mark Stone called for financial support earlier this month (April) saying facilities across the country were crippling under the financial pressure of operational costs not met by visitation revenue.

"We're in a different situation to other businesses that can shut their doors and there's no running costs. It's business as usual inside the zoo and for the animals nothing has changed," Mr Stone said.

"You still have all the feeding, cleaning, lighting, heating and other costs that go with caring for the animals."

A single lion needs about $250 in red meat per week or $13 000 of red meat over an entire year.

The zoo, which opened in Port Macquarie in 1986, currently exhibits over 80 species and cares for over 220 animals, including cheetahs, snow leopards, spider monkeys and freshwater crocodiles.

It was purchased by Mark and Danena Stone, who have more than 40 years' experience in the industry, as a breeding centre for koalas, together with a wallaby and kangaroo hand-feeding area. It is now one of the region's top tourist attractions,

"The most important thing is that all the animals are being looked after - looked after just as much as if the doors were open," Mr Stone said.

"We need to make sure we have a plan in place for assistance until such time as we can stand up on our own feet again."

Federal Member for Lyne, Dr David Gillespie said the funding initiative would provide vital assistance for Billabong Zoo that has been hit hard by the pandemic.

"This will be a lifeline for Billabong who have had many of their revenue streams dry up during this crisis," Dr Gillespie said.

"It's absolutely crucial our iconic zoos, like Billabong can still operate on the other side and play a major role in helping our tourism industry to recover from this."

"Mark Stone and his team have done a wonderful job over the last decade building and expanding the zoo to showcase a range of Australian wildlife to visitors from across Australia and around the world.

"Since Mark first alerted me to the challenges facing the zoo after it was required to close its doors, I have been in discussions with the Federal Minister for Tourism Simon Birmingham about ways in which we could assist unique operations like the Billabong continue their operations, and I'm delighted to be able to announce this package."

Eligible exhibiting zoos and aquariums will have access to a grant that contributes towards up to six months of its animal welfare operating costs. 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.

Read more: Hastings community leaders explore the road to recovery post-COVID-19

Mr Stone said the funding will ensure his staff can continue to provide specialist care and treatment for the zoo's animals until the impacts of the pandemic ease.

"The closure has put immense pressure on our operating budgets, we have many ongoing costs like veterinary care and significant food costs with some animals requiring highly-specialised and exotic food," Mr Stone said.

"While COVID 19 may be keeping visitors away, zookeepers, and veterinarians continue to play a lead role in wildlife recovery after the bushfires, from treatment and rehabilitation to the development of insurance populations."

Federal Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham said it's crucial zoos and aquariums can still operate on the other side and play a major role in helping the region's tourism industry to recover.

Australia's zoos and aquariums attract more than 20 million visitors a year.

Meanwhile, community leaders from all areas of government, industry, the education sector, business and social services came together online for the first COVID-19 Recovery Working Group meeting on April 23 to map a way forward for the Port Macquarie-Hastings region.

The working group will put recommendations to council for action focusing on economic, tourism, business, education, social, cultural and environmental priorities as key areas for recovery and growth.

The group's objectives will focus on how the region can successfully recover from the COVID-19 health crisis.

Chaired by council's general manager Craig Swift McNair, emerging discussion themes included how bringing forward capital works projects may activate the economy, what role the education sector might play in upskilling and retraining and how retail and hospitality have adapted.

The group will meet regularly and present strategies and initiatives to council for consideration.

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