Sydney could soon welcome a world-class wildlife park, adding a new gem to its tourism and conservation offerings. Aesthete No. 14 Pty Ltd has submitted a request for Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) to the Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure. The proposed Blue Mountains Wildlife Park, located at 10 Great Western Highway, Wentworth Falls, NSW, is valued at $83 million. This State Significant Development (SSD) aims to combine conservation, education, and recreation to create an unforgettable visitor experience while boosting the local economy.
What the Wildlife Park Will Offer
The wildlife park will span 10.3 hectares and offer a wide range of features to attract visitors. These include:
- Visitor Hub: The main entrance building will serve as the hub, housing a ticketing area, café, and gift shop.
- Animal Exhibits: Native and exotic species will live in enclosures designed for welfare and habitat conservation. Aquatic exhibits will also be part of the park’s attractions.
- Conservation and Research Facilities: An animal hospital and rehabilitation clinic will focus on breeding programs, species protection, and wildlife research.
- Adventure and Recreation: Visitors can enjoy a high ropes course, zip-line, toboggan track, and scenic chairlift, offering breathtaking views of the Blue Mountains.
- Luxury Accommodation: A 5-star hotel with a restaurant and bar will encourage overnight stays, supporting longer visits to the park.
- Cultural Education: An Indigenous arts and education centre will celebrate the heritage of the Gundungurra and Darug peoples.
- Walking Trails: Trails with boardwalks, a suspension bridge, and viewing platforms will connect guests to the natural landscape.
- Sustainable Landscaping: Open spaces, wetlands, gardens, and pathways will enhance biodiversity and create a tranquil environment.
- Improved Access and Parking: An upgraded left-in/left-out driveway on the Great Western Highway will improve access. Internal roads and parking areas will accommodate private vehicles and buses.
Draft Concept Plan by COX Architecture and Eximia Design
Benefits for the Community and Environment
The wildlife park is designed to benefit both the community and the environment. First, it will reduce visitor pressure on existing attractions within the Blue Mountains National Park by providing alternative experiences. Second, it will create new jobs during the construction phase and ongoing operations, strengthening the local economy.
Additionally, the project’s sustainable design will focus on preserving the natural environment. Wetlands, gardens, and landscaped areas will protect biodiversity while enhancing the visitor experience. Walking trails and recreational areas will promote eco-friendly tourism and a deeper connection to nature.
Artist impressions by COX Architecture and Eximia Design
Steps in the Approval Process
The development will follow a structured approval process to ensure compliance with planning and environmental requirements:
- Submission of Scoping Report: Aesthete No. 14 Pty Ltd has submitted the scoping report to request SEARs. These requirements will guide the preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
- Community Engagement: The proponent will address community concerns, such as vegetation clearing, heritage preservation, and traffic management.
- Environmental Impact Statement Preparation: The EIS will assess key issues, including biodiversity, bushfire risks, water management, and visual impacts.
- Public Exhibition: Once completed, the EIS will be exhibited to gather feedback from stakeholders and the community.
- Review and Determination: The Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure will assess the SSD application. The Minister for Planning (or delegate) will make the final decision.
Next Steps for the Project
Moving forward, the proponent will refine the project’s design and complete the EIS. This document will address SEARs requirements and community input. After the public exhibition period, the SSD application will be updated to reflect the feedback. Finally, the Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure will make its determination.
Meet the Project Team
- Developer: Aesthete No. 14 Pty Ltd
- Urban Planner: Ethos Urban
- Architects: Cox Architects
- Landscape Designers: Eximia Design
- Bushfire Consultants: Building Code & Bushfire Hazard Solutions
- Cost Estimators: WT Partnership
- Other Specialists: Experts in biodiversity, traffic, and heritage assessments
For more information, search application number SSD-79275458 on the NSW Planning Portal: https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/blue-mountains-wildlife-park.
