Skippy evicted from Waratah Park

Uncertainty continues to surround the future of Sydney's Waratah Park wildlife attraction.

Since being closed to the public in 2006, Waratah Park has faced a series of uphill battles culminating in the removal of the Park's animals earlier this year.

The iconic former home of televisionâs 'Skippy the Bush Kangaroo' is now only a shadow of its former glory, and despite the efforts of a group of volunteers and supporters, the future of the site remains unclear.

NSW Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes has demanded that the NSW Government provide a clear plan for the future of Waratah Park, amid growing concern over the parkâs deterioration and the ongoing uncertainty over the leaseholder's long-term intentions.

Stokes believes that a viable opportunity now exists for the NSW Government to intervene, to ensure the park is preserved, its heritage significance recognised and the entire site retained under public ownership.

Stokes explained "it's time the government acknowledges the dire state of affairs Waratah Park is facing and ends the speculation over its future.

"It's very sad that what was once an internationally renowned wildlife sanctuary is now too dangerous for wildlife to remain."

Stokes called on the NSW Government to explain why it agreed to the "transfer of an international renowned wildlife sanctuary to a property developer" and why it has "failed to direct the Heritage Council to consider including Waratah Park on the State Heritage Register, given that former Planning Minister Andrew Refshauge said back in 2002 that such an application would be looked at favourably?"

Stokes concluded that the NSW Government "can answer these questions by acting now to restore Waratah Park's place as a regional tourist facility and wildlife sanctuary with recognised heritage values."

18th December 2009 - ANIMALS PUT DOWN AT WARATAH PARK