The Hon Sussan Ley MP, Minister for the Environment
Lucy Wicks MP, Member for Robertson
Giant Barred Frogs, Manning River Helmeted Turtles and Stuttering Frogs will be the first tenants at Conservation Ark, a brand-new conservation and recovery facility built at Aussie Ark on the Central Coast, thanks to $850,000 in Morrison Government Funding.
Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley said the newly constructed captive breeding facilities at Aussie Ark's Australian Reptile Park are helping to breathe new life into bushfire-affected species.
"I am so pleased to officially open these wonderful new facilities that will support the recovery of bushfire-affected wildlife," Minister Ley said.
"The completion of construction means a new home for the Giant Barred Frog and Stuttering Frog, as well as expanded breeding facilities for the Manning River Helmeted Turtle.
"Funding to expand Aussie Ark's breeding programs for the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby will also help establish larger captive populations for eventual release into the wild.
"This investment by the Morrison Government has meant that these four species, which were severely impacted in the Central Coast region, will have the best chance at recovery."
Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks said the new facilities will allow people on the Central Coast to see first-hand how bushfire recovery efforts are supporting our precious wildlife.
"Bushfires roared through Yengo and Dharug national parks in the Central Coast region, as well as the nearby Wollemi national park, devastating communities and Australian wildlife and habitat," Ms Wicks said.
"I know there's a lot of excitement in the community about the official opening of these facilities at the Australian Reptile Park."
The Morrison Government has committed $200 million to help native wildlife and their habitats recover from the devastating impacts of the Black Summer bushfires, with $7.2 million supporting captive breeding programs and creation of insurance populations.
