MINISTER UNLEASHES THE BEAST AT WILD ISLAND LAUNCH

Kids can unleash the beast within this Easter at Wild Island, says Tourism Minister Margaret Keech.

Mrs Keech officially opened the new attraction at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary today.

She said Wild Island was a spectacular addition to the park, which this year celebrates 60 years in operation.

“Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is an icon - not just for the Gold Coast and Queensland, but for Australia,” Mrs Keech said.

“60 years in operation is an amazing achievement.

“Generations of children – many now parents and even grandparents themselves, remember visiting the Sanctuary.

“Now visitors can add the excitement of Wild Island to their memories.

“Wild Island is the first new attraction for the Sanctuary in five years.

“It’s an exciting adventure for children teaching them all about predators and birds of prey.

“The interactive design lets them see for themselves what it’s like to be the hunter or the hunted.”

Mrs Keech said Wild Island was further proof that Currumbin Sanctuary was more than just a theme park.

“By offering these kinds of experiences to children, the Sanctuary is playing a critical role in educating our future generations about the need to protect the environment and our native wildlife,” she said.

“Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a fantastic tourist attraction - thousands of visitors flood through the gates each year to experience our native culture, flora and fauna.

“But it’s also a research centre, a hospital and home to injured or sick native animals and a wonderful wildlife education facility.

“The Beattie Government is proud of its support for the Sanctuary through the National Trust Queensland and I’m excited to be launching this new attraction today.

“The more we can instil the ideals of ecological responsibility into the community – particularly the young – the better.”

Media Contact: Jo Gibbons 3225 1005/ 0439 761416