Senator Dana Wortley was on-hand today to launch the latest development at Monarto Zoo on behalf of the Minister for Tourism Martin Ferguson AM MP.
The Adelaide Hills project received a grant of $100,000 under the Australian Tourism Development Program for the construction of a raised viewing platform over the lion and African dog enclosures.
The new platform offers all day viewing of the lion pride and African wild dog pack and the opportunity to view animal feeds during keeper talks.
Senator Wortley said Monarto Zoo had long been a must-see destination for both domestic and international visitors to the state and a significant economic resource for the region.
"Investment in tourism is investment in jobs, and the benefits flow throughout the local economy providing opportunities for local business. I congratulate the Royal Zoological Society of South Australia and all those who contributed to the application.
"These new viewing facilities will add significantly to the visitor experience here at Monarto and help to encourage even more people to see this South Australian tourism icon. I encourage the staff and owners to continue developing tourism opportunities here and providing employment opportunities for people in the local community," she said.
The Australian Tourism Development Program has been redeveloped to bring its objectives in line with the Australian Government's vision for the tourism industry. The TQUAL Grants program, which has replaced the Australian Tourism Development Program, focuses on encouraging quality and innovation in the development of tourism product and will ensure that funded projects contribute directly to strategic outcomes for the tourism industry.
Minister Ferguson said: "Local tourism projects such as the Monarto Zoo upgrade are a cornerstone of our plans for the tourism industry. We will continue to offer competitive grants through our recently developed TQUAL Grants program and provide funding for innovative tourism projects throughout Australia.
"Innovation and service will be the future for Australia's tourism industry and I am confident the tourism industry here in South Australia will continue to develop exciting projects and welcome visitors to the state," he said.