The Federal Government has pledged $580,000 to help build a venom production facility at The Australian Reptile Park if re-elected on May 21.
Federal Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, said the Park is the sole supplier of terrestrial snake venom to produce antivenom in Australia, with the program saving more than 25,000 lives since its inception in the 1960s.
Park Director, Tim Faulkner, said the Government has assisted the program over the years by making the administering of antivenom free in Australia.
“The Australian Reptile Park is the jewel of the Central Coast and support from Lucy Wicks over the last decade has not only benefitted the Reptile Park, but the community and region,” Faulkner said.
“The Australian Reptile Park is both a national and international tourism attraction famous across the globe that connect visitors with wildlife.
“We are also a community organisation and saving lives remains a core part of our activities.”
Wicks said the new Venom Precinct would allow for upgraded safety, animal welfare, biosecurity and equipment integrity, while also helping educate visitors about venom production.
“The Australian Reptile Park does fantastic work with its antivenom program, saving approximately 300 Australian lives per year,” she said.
Wicks recently met Faulkner and NSW Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, to discuss plans for the facility.
The State Government has committed to providing $300,000 towards the project, with the Park itself contributing $775,000.
“The vital work being done by the Australian Reptile Park, as the sole supplier of venom to the Commonwealth serum laboratories, helps save lives right across our nation and I am delighted to confirm the State Government is providing funding for this life-saving project,” Crouch said.
“The Australian Reptile Park is [also] a multi-award-winning wildlife tourism operator, providing vital jobs to Central Coast locals and attracting over 300,000 visitors to our region.”
The new facility would have a staff of five, with capacity to grow if needed.
Construction and fit-out is anticipated to take up to 12 months.
Source:
Media release, Apr 28
Australian Reptile Park