A Lithgow wildlife sanctuary will spruce up its on-site camping facilities thanks to a $31,050 federal government grant.
Under Round 5 of the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF), Secret Creek Sanctuary, located in Cobar Park, will create a more comfortable camping ground for visitors to the facility.
Member for Calare and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Andrew Gee, said the project will encourage more tourists to visit the unique wildlife sanctuary, and explore the Greater Lithgow Region.
“From pygmy possums and potoroos to dingoes and Tasmanian devils, Secret Creek Sanctuary is a safe haven for a host of native Australian wildlife,” said Minister Gee.
“The site is the only native wildlife sanctuary in the blue mountains, making it a real drawcard for Lithgow and wildlife fans across the Central West.
“In recent years, the venue has faced a fair number of challenges. Parts of the property were damaged by the Black Summer Bushfires, sending visitor numbers into a nosedive.
“A few months later, COVID-19 restrictions forced the facility to close.
“While campground hire isn’t up and running yet, it’s great to see that the Sanctuary, despite all the hard knocks, has continued plans to improve the site for future visitors.
“That’s why I’m delighted that Secret Creek Santuary will receive $31,050 in federal government funding to upgrade their camping facilities, to help its recovery from the impacts of the bushfires and the pandemic.
“The funding at Secret Creek Sanctuary complements the $720,500 in Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Funding the site received earlier this year to build a Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Hospital. This project will provide a venue for the rescue, rehabilitation and release of native species,” said Mr Gee.
