State Budget 2012-13: Supporting our Community - Upgrading ageing Perth Zoo visitor facilities

• Families, visitors and tourists to benefit from projects at Perth Zoo

• Upgrades for front entrance, playground and parenting facilities

Perth Zoo's front entrance and main lawn area visitor facilities will be upgraded thanks to a $1.5million capital allocation by the Liberal-National Government.

Environment Minister Bill Marmion said the funds were part of the State Government's 2012-13 State Budget asset investment program and he reiterated the Government's commitment to supporting the community.

"The zoo's front entrance was constructed in 1970-71 and is overdue for a revamp," Mr Marmion said.

"The funds will provide for improvements to the zoo's main entrance, including queuing areas, seating and meeting points.

"Perth Zoo's children's playground, which is about 16-years old, and the adjacent 50-year-old visitor ablution facilities, will also receive a much-needed upgrade.

"The funds will be used to provide new equipment at the playground as well as more seating areas for families.  Variety WA is also supporting this project with a donation to purchase play equipment for children with special needs."

The Minister said the redevelopment of the adjacent visitor ablution facilities would upgrade and improve the existing old facilities.

"This important facility adjoining the zoo's main lawn will be redeveloped to provide additional toilets, including parenting facilities and appropriate access and facilities for disabled visitors," he said.

      Fact File

• Perth Zoo attracts more than 611,000 visitors annually

• Zoo was named WA's top tourist attraction at the WA Tourism Awards in November 2010 & is a multiple winner of this award

• The zoo's playground was specially designed in 1996 to allow children with different needs to play together

Minister's office - 6552 6800