Help for some of Ballarat's biggest tourist attractions is on the way after the federal government announced funding to assist zoos and aquariums across the country.
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More than $94 million will be used to pay for the cost of caring for animals and keep the operations afloat until travel and other coronavirus restrictions are eased.
Ballarat Wildlife Park managing director Greg Parker said it was a welcome announcement and would help ease the stress on the park.
"The announcement is a very welcome one... It gives us at Ballarat Wildlife Park cause for a lot of optimism for the future," he said.
Mr Parker thanks the government on behalf of the wildlife park, which has been caring for and raising funds to assist animals affected by the summer of bushfires, while also praising the Zoo and Aquarium Association for its work lobbying for this relief.
"This relief will play a crucial role in looking after a lot of native animals at our park following the summer of devastating fires," he said.
"We want to thank the federal government for this breath of fresh life. You've also got to give a lot of credit to the Zoo and Aquarium Association for the hard work they've put into this."
These sentiments were echoed by Ballarat Bird World owner Lisa Sperber, who said it has been difficult over the period the attraction has had to close its doors.
"At the moment we are totally shut which obviously means we have no income coming in but still have to keep up with feeding all the birds and general maintenance around the park," she said.
Mrs Sperber said ensuring all zoos and aquariums could reopen is vitally important to Australian culture as they provide an opportunity to teach the community about wildlife.
"This help is vitally important. A lot of people only get to see wildlife at zoos and aquariums," she said.
"Children especially need the opportunity to experience animals and nature and identify the importance of looking after our wildlife."
From a sheer tourism point of view, Mr Parker said he was proud to be a big part of Ballarat's tourism industry and is excited to have people return to the park in the near future.
"I think Australian tourism is so important to our economy and we're proud to be part of that tourism system. Re-opening our doors will be a very happy day for us all."
Eligible zoos and aquariums will have access to grants that contribute up to six months of animal welfare operating costs.
The funding is part of the government's $1 billion Relief and Recovery Fund to support regions, communities and industry sectors disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
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