Cassie and Ockie are having a swinging good time!
An independent onsite review of the Rockhampton Zoo has commended Council on the increased standards in animal welfare and general presentation of one of our region's much-loved facilities.
Last Friday a Bio-security Queensland Officer and an Independent Assessor conducted an onsite review of the Zoo as a follow up to last year's State Government audit, which had raised several issues and concerns.
Both Inspectors were pleased to see that the facility had come so far in the past year, with increased standards in animal welfare and general presentation. The inspectors also commented on the good working relationships they had developed with Council over the past few months, and said they were looking forward to continuing this relationship.
Chair of Council's Sports and Recreation Committee, Councillor Cherie Rutherford said this was a great outcome for the community and the Council Officers who have been working tirelessly to move the Zoo forward.
"I would like to commend the Council Officers' hard work and dedication, they are a team who are focussed on the continuing improvement of this integral community facility," Cr Rutherford said.
With a tremendous amount of work and dedication from Council's Recreation Services staff, the Botanic Gardens and Zoo has seen a major turnaround, and this independent review is well-deserved recognition of these efforts.
"The standards that have been put in place reflect our commitment to having a facility that operates effectively and efficiently.
"With the recent reopening of the Free Flight Aviary and the progress on the new Chimpanzee Enclosure, these are definitely exciting times for the Zoo and the Region," she said.
Council is committed to developing this much loved community asset, as demonstrated with the recent Council Resolution to call for tenders to commence work on a Zoo Master Plan.
Cr Rutherford said the development of the Zoo Master Plan and its subsequent implementation will help bring the Zoo into line with public perceptions, new government requirements and zoo industry standards.
