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NEWS
Cairns Local News
New rainforest aviary a huge hit ONE of Australia’s leading wildlife experiences, Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas, celebrated the grand opening of their new aviary, the Rainforest Habitat last Saturday September 19. Hundreds of visitors flocked to the Habitat for the opening which also coincided with its 30th birthday celebrations, featuring lots of fun activities and special prices to mark the start of the school holidays. The new area takes visitors for a multi-level adventure through lush flora while interacting with rainforest inhabitants like Cassowaries, Pademelons, and a wide variety of stunning tropical birds. New features in Rainforest Habitat include the breath-taking Birdseye Bridge which takes you up to the treetops and Licuala Tower which offers stunning views of the whole aviary. Over the past 18 months, the wildlife sanctuary has been busily upgrading the park with two massive new aviaries, the world’s first
Predator Plank, a state-ofthe-art, ultra-modern Nocturnal Habitat, the Rainforest Habitat and will soon break ground on CrocArena.
Wildlife Habitat Manager Andrew Hearn said the projects were creating construction and operations jobs and were part of Wildlife Habitat’s efforts to bring tourists back to Port Douglas. “We are incredibly grateful to the local visitors that have been supporting Wildlife Habitat while borders are
‘Extraordinary year’ for council THE financial impact of COVID-19 has resulted in Council finishing the 2019-20 financial year with a $1.6 million operating deficit. Council’s Annual Report, adopted at today’s Ordinary Meeting, described 2019-20 as “an extraordinary year for Council as well as the general community” because of the unprecedented effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Council continued to invest heavily in community infrastructure by delivering a $165.5 million capital works program in the 2019-20 financial year.
The opening of the Rainforest Habitat marks completion of stage two of Wildlife Habitat’s three major improvement projects. These three projects are the Nocturnal Habitat which opened in 2019, the Rainforest Habitat and CrocArena which will open in 2021. The cost of the projects will come in over $2,300,000 which has been funded by the CaPTA Group and the Australian Government with $900,000 being provided through the Community Development Grants programme.
Friday, Sept 25, 2020
This included more than $50 million in transport and mobility projects, $54 million on water and waste infrastructure, and $13 million on improving parks and leisure facilities throughout the city. Council also provided more than $7.8 million through numerous grant streams, including $3.4 million to support Tourism Tropical North Queensland, almost $1.4 million in rates-based assistance for not-for-profit groups and sponsorships, and $797,000 for events. The report noted that the full impacts of COVID-19 on Council are still unknown. Emilia (5) and Oliver (4) meeting some of the residents of the new Rainforest Habitat. shut,” he said. Brook Allen who visited with her two children Emilia (5) and Oliver (4) said the new Rainforest Habitat was a hit. “It really gives you the feeling of being in a real-life rainforest - the new tower and treehouses really help you get in and amongst the
display and the animals,” she said. Brayden Wilson from Port Douglas said it got the thumbs up from his children. “Climbing the tower and seeing all the wildlife was wonderful, the kids got a thrill crossing the suspended bridge,” he said.
However, Council has adopted a three-year recovery plan that looks to balance the need for maintaining essential service levels, the delivery of the capital works program, providing economic stimulus and keeping rates affordable. Additionally, Council has developed a Financial Hardship Policy which provides extended repayment plans and interest waivers for ratepayers adversely affected by COVID-19. The Annual Report highlights the many programs that were delivered throughout the year, in line with Council’s strategic goals, which relate to Economy, Natural Assets, Liveability, Community and Culture, and Serving the Community.
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