Territory Wildlife Park to stay in government hands despite losing $4.3m a year

THE Territory Wildlife Park will not be privatised, despite running on a loss of about $4.3 million each year

Baby sugar glider Doodah at the Territory Wildlife Park. Picture: HELEN ORR

THE Territory Wildlife Park will not be privatised, despite running on a loss of about $4.3 million each year.

According to a statement by a spokeswoman for Tourism Minister Lauren Moss, the park, which is going to tender for a new 10-year masterplan, costs $5.8 million to run.

“Of this, $1.5 million is generated through commercial activities such as the cafe and gift shop, ticket sales, cooperative events and conferences, and interactive animal experiences,” she said.

The massive losses come as private tourism officers are calling for the park to transfer out of taxpayers’ pockets.

The previous CLP government had looked at the prospect of selling the park to a private operator, in recognition of the high cost for Territory taxpayers to fund it.

The former government had private discussions with a number of potential investors, including some already in the Territory.

However, the Gunner Government has steered clear of selling off the wildlife park as part of its masterplan.

It says “the masterplan will consider development for the park in terms of: how we connect people with wildlife; what can we value-add to the community in terms of community spaces for nature-based entertainment and recreation; how we set ourselves up to become a centre of conservation excellent for education and research”.

Chamber of Commerce chief executive Greg Bicknell said any 10-year masterplan should include looking at the government ownership of the park.