Guy Barnett,Minister for Primary Industries and Water
The Tasmanian Government is working closely with our stakeholders to support wildlife parks and zoos during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond.
A roundtable teleconference was held today with representatives from wildlife parks, zoos and aquariums throughout the state.
This was an opportunity for the Government to hear from stakeholders about how they are managing the coronavirus response, discuss key issues and the next steps as restrictions begin to ease.
Animal welfare is a high priority for the Tasmanian Government and we are providing support for wildlife and zoo-related businesses to help them care for their animals and birds.
The State Government’s Safe Workplaces Framework is assisting wildlife parks and zoos to develop their own coronavirus safety plans and we will continue to support them to ensure they are doing all they can to keep people safe when they re-open.
The Tasmanian Government has offered support for eligible Tasmanian businesses through Small Business Emergency Grants program, Small Business Interest Free Loan Scheme and Small Business Hardship Grants.
We have also announced a range of Government fees which will be frozen, waived and/or capped, including electricity and water bills.
DPIPWE also has dedicated an officer to coordinate support to wildlife parks and zoos. The support coordinator is communicating directly with individual operators about specific issues with a focus on maintaining captive animal health and welfare.
The Tasmanian Government will continue to support our wildlife parks, zoos and aquariums as they respond and recover from the impacts of coronavirus.
