Entertainment giant Village Roadshow has put forward the $220 million African theme park proposal to be located at the Werribee Open Range Zoo.
It is hoped construction will be completed by 2010.
African Safari World is being touted as the new star in Victoria's tourism sector, attracting up to 1.3 million visitors annually and generating an economic output of $864 million for the Victorian economy over a decade.
It is expected to create 6700 jobs during construction, with a further 500 jobs during operation.
Village chairman John Kirby today said the theme park would combine spectacle and education in a world-class theme park which would include:
- The biggest and best family and thrill-seeker rides, some never before seen in Australia;
- The widest range of interactive and education zoo attractions in Australia; and,
- Specially designed African and Australian habitat walking tours.
Village Roadshow has a strong track record in theme parks where animals are the stars.
The company includes Sea World, Australian Outback Spectacular, Sydney Wildlife World and Sydney Aquarium among its properties.
Victorian Tourism Minister Tim Holding today left no doubt the State Government supported the company's latest plans.
"From our perspective, this is a very exciting proposal," Mr Holding told reporters.
"It's one that we think can bring great benefits, not only to Victorian families who have to fly all the way to Queensland, all the way to the Gold Coast, to see world-class theme parks."
"We think it's a fantastic proposal, it's one that we want to give very serious consideration to."
Nonetheless, Mr Holding said the welfare of the resident lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras and other animals was paramount.
And he would not rule out the Victorian government kicking in cash for the park.
"We have been concerned for some time that without a theme park here in Victoria, we are losing visitors, potential visitors from interstate and overseas," he said.
"Whether a direct financial contribution is required from the state, obviously we need to work through that with Village Roadshow."
"Ultimately, we would make a judgment on those sort of questions based around the benefit to Victoria, the economic benefit, the jobs, the investment, the opportunity that can be created from what is a very exciting proposal."
He said Village Roadshow approached the government last year with the proposal.
Zoos Victoria had been briefed on the proposal, but was seeking more information, the minister said.
Village Roadshow International Theme Parks chief executive John Harnden said today the attraction would be comparable to the Disney Animal Kingdom in Florida.
Comment was not immediately available from Werribee Open Range Zoo.
Found also was the Concept art for the park, and added is what I could see (These rides may or may not be actually coming)
SOURCE: News.com.au
