A staple of the Central Queensland community has received a well-earned upgrade with the opening of the new Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and Zoo Visitor Hub.
A joint investment between the Australian Government and Rockhampton Regional Council, the visitor hub is complete with new public amenities, gathering spaces, digital interactive displays, walkways and fresh landscaping. In total, the visitor hub is a near $9 million investment in the future of a much-loved local icon.
Owned and operated by the Rockhampton Regional Council, the zoo is open all year round, free of charge, making it a treasured resource for families and the wider community.
Welcoming over 300,000 visitors annually - more than half of them tourists - Rockhampton Zoo stands as one of the region's premier attractions and a strong contributor to the visitor economy.
The construction of the visitor hub and associated upgrades created 21 local jobs and is expected to give back to the Central Queensland economy as visitor numbers continue to rise in the years ahead.
The upgrades, made possible with a $1.5 million investment from the Australian Government, ensure the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and Zoo remain a drawcard for years to come.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm:
"Attractions like this one are cornerstones of the local community as they significantly advance the liveability for residents and boost the city's tourism economy.
"The Zoo has long been a source of entertainment and education for all ages, and the botanic gardens, one of the oldest in the country, has been a site of relaxation for more than a century.
"We're committed to working with local councils to deliver local priorities like this, projects which create jobs, grow regional economies and improve the quality of life of regional Australians."
Quotes attributable to Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor, Tony Williams:
"This is a huge step forward for the Zoo and a real milestone as we see the completion of a modern, vibrant new entrance and hub.
"The Rockhampton Zoo welcomes around 300,000 visitors every year, and we expect that number to grow in the years to come.
"This project will only add to the visitor experience and ensure that we are continuing to put Rockhampton and the Rockhampton Zoo's best foot forward.
"With the Mount Morgan Pipeline due to be completed later this year, a critical local roads improvement program and approvals being finalised for the Rockhampton Sports Precinct, we are seeing some big wins across the region."
