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Seal Rocks: an environmental assest on public hands
Seal Rocks: Philip Island's Tourist Centre
Using taxpayer's money, to place a public environmental asset on taxpayer's hands, sounds like a pretty commendable idea to me. However, this move has been full of controversy. The opposition had different plans, they would have preferred to see Seal Rocks restored and run by private developers - but hey! After all, the former Premier Mr. Kenneth was never known for his modesty when it came to building projects - more emphasis on monumentality, gadget stores and expensive rides are more to the opposition's taste. True, ocean scenes, seals and penguins do distract visitors from more entrepreneurial activities!
Using taxpayer's money, to place a public environmental asset on taxpayer's hands, sounds like a pretty commendable idea to me. However, this move has been full of controversy. The opposition had different plans, they would have preferred to see Seal Rocks restored and run by private developers - but hey! After all, the former Premier Mr. Kenneth was never known for his modesty when it came to building projects - more emphasis on monumentality, gadget stores and expensive rides are more to the opposition's taste. True, ocean scenes, seals and penguins do distract visitors from more entrepreneurial activities!
The Victorian Government was forced to pay around $50 million in compensation to the former operator in 2003.
The centre has cost the Government more than $80 million all up.
But Tourism Minister Tim Holding says it is now a sustainable business.
Source: ABC, "Costly Philip Is Centre reopens"
"It has a focus on the marine life and the environment around it rather than the centre itself," said chief executive Mark Manteit. "It's family focused, without the fancy boat rides."
And while there may not be any fancy boat trips, he said the new Nobbies Centre which will have no entry charge will feature cutting-edge technology.
....
Seal Rocks is billed as the home of the second largest Australian fur seal colony, with about 16,000 seals.
Source: The Age, "Island centre signed, sealed and about to be delivered"
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