Echidna Walkabout ceases operations within Geelong
A major international tourism operator will no longer be taking bookings and has blamed Parks Victoria for its decision to leave the region.
Geelong
Don't miss out on the headlines from Geelong. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A major international tourism operator has pulled out of the You Yangs precinct amid concerns around a controversial masterplan for the region.
Echidna Walkabout has operated out of the Serendip Sanctuary and the You Yangs for 30 years, with director Roger Smith estimating his tours have drawn about 10,000 people a year to the region.
But, he said Parks Victoria’s plans for the region under its You Yangs Precinct Master Plan were out of line with community expectations.
He labelled the process a “stuff up from start to finish” and said the authority had “no interest” in wildlife tourism.
Mr Smith said his business had worked on the project with Parks Victoria since 2018, but felt unrepresented in the final masterplan.
He said requests for tourism facilities had been ignored.
“In 2018 the facilities in the two parks were degrading rapidly and Parks Victoria asked us to be involved in a plan it said would be the catalyst for our future involvement in the two park,” he said.
“From the outset we had doubts … everything was secretive nor could we get them to discuss wildlife or wildlife tourism.”
After community consultation, the final plan for the You Yangs Precinct Master Plan was released in 2022.
Mr Smith claimed Parks Victoria removed wildlife from Serendip Sanctuary and did not cater for wildlife tourism operators.
Parks Victoria’s western basalt district acting district manager, Stuart Lardner, said the authority was committed to the long term future of Serendip and implementing the region’s masterplan.
“As part of the implementation, and in the interest of animal welfare, some of the animals that aren’t part of an endangered species breeding program are being rehomed.
“We are absolutely committed to the future of Serendip Sanctuary and the role it plays in endangered species conservation, in education and as a place to visit and see wildlife.”
Mr Ladner said the masterplan focused on endangered species programs in partnership with other organisations.
Tourism Greater Geelong and the Bellarine director Tracey Carter said it was disappointing to hear Echidna Walkabout would no longer be operating within Geelong.
“They were really important internationally and were well regarded operators,” she said.
More Coverage
Originally published as Echidna Walkabout ceases operations within Geelong
St John of God Geelong enacts emergency ‘birth bypass’
A staff shortage at St John of God’s maternity suite saw the hospital implement an emergency measure on Sunday night.
Cat gives update on injury-ravaged veteran, hint on Smith role
Cam Guthrie has been cruelled by injury the past two seasons, but things are looking promising ahead of 2025. Plus, Bailey Smith’s potential role and the young Cat to watch.