- New eagle enclosure at Rockhampton Zoo delivered through Palaszczuk Government’s $1 billion Works for Queensland program
- New home for beloved bird makes zoo even better for locals and visitors alike
- Already $800 million has been allocated to councils outside the south-east corner, creating or supporting almost 25,500 jobs
Rockhampton Zoo’s future is set to soar with a new home for its wedge-tailed eagle, Valkyrie, thanks to the Palaszczuk Government’s Works for Queensland program.
Acting Premier Steven Miles visited the Rockhampton Zoo today to inspect Valkyrie’s new enclosure, built with the $540,000 Queensland Government grant.
The zoo’s new drawcard is one of close to 2200 projects supported so far through the Works for Queensland program.
The program supports regional councils to deliver infrastructure that creates jobs, supports economic development and improves liveability in their communities.
A further $200 million has been earmarked for these councils from July 2024.
The new enclosure will provide a more spacious home for Valkyrie, who joined the zoo in 2019 after being hit by a car. The project created eight local jobs.
Quotes attributable to Acting Premier Steven Miles:
“I’m proud to be part of a government that’s backing our regions and helping deliver infrastructure like this great new eagle enclosure at Rocky Zoo.
“The Works for Queensland program is making a big difference across regional Queensland by helping councils deliver projects that will create good jobs and make these communities even better places to live.
“Already $800 million has been allocated to councils outside South East Queensland through this program, helping deliver close to 2200 projects.
“Importantly, these works have also created or supported almost 25,500 jobs where they are needed most, including 859 jobs across 42 projects in Rockhampton.”
Quotes attributable to Rockhampton MP Barry O’Rourke:
“It will make Rockhampton Zoo an even better place for the community to connect and enjoy the great lifestyle here, as well as attract more tourists to this great city.
“I’m sure locals and visitors to Central Queensland will be flocking to see Valkyrie in her bigger and better home.
“This is an outstanding result for local businesses, local tradies, the local economy and local families.
“I look forward to continuing to work with council to benefit the people of Rockhampton and Central Queensland.”
Quotes attributable to Mayor Tony Williams:
“We’re thankful for the State Government’s $540,000 Works for Queensland funding that enabled us to deliver the new enclosure as part of our greater redevelopment project.
“We are really excited to see the new enclosure open and thrilled to see Valkyrie enjoying her new space already.”
Quotes attributable to Councillor Cherie Rutherford:
“The new enclosure is located opposite the Kangaroos at the Zoo, meaning Valkyrie is now living near her Australian buddies too.
“In future, the old eagle enclosure will become the home of our blue and gold macaws, so that the current macaw enclosure can be removed to make way for more exciting future developments at the Zoo.”
