Mosman councillors disagree over Taronga Zoo wildlife retreat approval
THE NSW Government approved Taronga Zoo’s $44.5m eco hotel last week, but Mosman councillors are divided over the benefits for the area.
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MOSMAN councillors are divided over the NSW Government’s approval of Taronga Zoo’s 62-room eco-hotel in its Australian Precinct section.
The council vocally opposed the development when the proposal was open for public consultation last year.
Its concerns included parking, traffic, tree loss and the relevance of the plans to the zoo’s aims.
The Government approved the $44.5 million development last week. Construction is due to start later this year.
The project is part of a $164.5 million capital works program to transform zoo facilities and visitor experiences during the next 10 years.
Deputy mayor Roy Bendall, whose term as Mosman representative on the Taronga board expired at the end of last year, praised the project.
“The eco-retreat is a much-needed wildlife immersion experience which will complement the zoo’s existing accommodation offering and enhance the Zoo’s conservation objectives,” he said.
“Mosman Council was never the consent authority for this project and was critical of the size and scale, however, we thank the zoo for the modifications made to accommodate more natural vegetation within the precinct and make the proposal more sympathetic to the environment.”
But Cr Simon Menzies blasted the development.
“Taronga has hopelessly compromised its core values in favour of pure greed,” he said.
“It’s a sad day when the caretakers of public land prioritise the tourist dollar over school excursions for Aussie kids.
“Using overdevelopment to scar the classic beauty of Sydney Harbour can never be justified.
“The approval process lacked integrity because the State Government was both the applicant and consent authority.”
Taronga must prepare detailed management plans for landscaping, construction, heritage and carparking as a condition of approval.
The wildlife retreat will include five accommodation “pods” between two and four storeys high, 62 rooms, a guest lodge and an extension to the Taronga Centre with a new restaurant, function room and outdoor terrace.
The development includes energy, water and waste-reducing measures, such as low and zero carbon technologies for energy and reuse of materials such as sandstone.
Planning and Housing Minister Anthony Roberts said Taronga was one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia.
“This retreat will only further enhance its attractiveness to international and domestic visitors alike,” he said.
“The proposal will include a new native Australian wildlife exhibit with kangaroos, platypuses, a walk-through aviary and sanctuary exhibit.
“There will also be new pedestrian pathways and a viewing platform.”
Environment and Heritage Minister Gabrielle Upton said Taronga and its Western Plains counterpart attracted 1.7 million visitors annually and contributed about $250 million annually to the NSW economy.
“Taronga Zoo is one of the most-loved and well-known places in Sydney,” she said.
“It’s at the top of every tourist’s ‘must do’ list and this investment will strengthen Sydney’s tourism sector and provide a better immersive experience for guests.”
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