Zen Coaster

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23494433-661,00.html _________________________________________________________ Super safari park in doubt Ashley Gardiner April 07, 2008 12:00am ZOO management has said no to a $220 million plan for a large-scale theme park at Werribee, despite support from key stakeholders. Entertainment giant Village Roadshow yesterday announced plans for the park, to be known as African Safari World, winning the support of the State Government. Village Roadshow theme parks chief executive John Harnden, who ran the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games, heads the proposal. The prospect of taxpayers' money being used to bankroll part of the project was not ruled out yesterday. But Zoos Victoria chairman Andrew Fairley said the proposal did not have his support. "The proposal, as I understand it now, is not on," Mr Fairley said. The zoo was informed of the plans last week, but secret talks between Village Roadshow and the State Government have been under way for some time. Zoos Victoria is the government agency responsible for the management of the Melbourne and Werribee zoos, and the Healesville Sanctuary. Mr Fairley said he was not opposed to a major theme park in principle, but that the zoo wanted to maintain management over the animals. "If that doesn't affect the welfare of the animals, we would certainly be prepared to consider that," he said. "For us, it is a question of who manages the zoo and who runs the zoo. "But in terms of the stewardship of our animals . . . that's what Zoos Victoria does best." Mr Fairley said he was concerned that development at Werribee could draw patronage away from the other zoos at Royal Park and Healesville. "It's already tough enough to be able to run zoos profitably now," he said. Zoos Victoria was also concerned that entry to a theme park would not be as cheap as to Werribee Open Range Zoo. "I do have real concern about issues of access and equity for people to continue to be able to come here and bring their families," Mr Fairley said. "They can come in for a very modest fee, and if you're going to turn a zoo into something bigger than a zoo, you would have to charge a lot more for it." But Tourism Minister Tim Holding said the proposal was good for families. "(It) can bring great benefits not only to Victorian families who have to fly all the way to Queensland to see world-class theme parks," Mr Holding said. "We've been concerned for some time that without a theme park here in Victoria we are losing visitors, potential visitors, from interstate and overseas. "We think it will attract visitors from interstate and from overseas, and we think that's great for our tourism industry as well." Mr Holding did not rule out the possibility of the state making a financial contribution toward the project. "Whether a direct financial contribution is required from the state, obviously we need to work through that with Village Roadshow," he said. Mr Holding praised Village Roadshow's track record in the management of animals. "They have custody of something like 30,000 animals right around the world, and they're a great partner for us to have in any serious world-class theme park proposal," he said. Mr Holding conceded there were still matters unresolved with Zoos Victoria management. "We obviously have to work through all the issues with the zoo," he said. "Maintaining the integrity of the open range zoo that exists at Werribee is a vitally important part of this proposal. There's a little way to go before we can actually say it's a goer." Mr Harnden said there had already been extensive talks with the State Government. He declined to say how much money he wanted the Government to contribute. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Predictable stumbling block, really. I don't see it as something to majorly worry about - how to deal with this scenario would have been thought about before now. If the zoo managed the animals while Village managed the thrills, it could be a happy partnership. If they're modelling the park on ones such as Animal Kingdom, the integrity of the animal experience will inevitably be well preserved. When I went to AK, it didn't feel like a theme park to me. The rides didn't intrude on my enjoyment of the animals at all & it just felt like there were two distinct components. I haven't been to Busch Gardens so can't comment on that. However, it looks like there is enough space and enthusiasm for the concept of the park by all parties for a solution to be worked out.

^ Oh true. But the fact they talk about 'Australia's greatest rollercoaster' and that they're out to bring rides that aren't yet available here would suggest a healthy chance of us getting something great like that. As always, time will tell. But I'm sure it'll be fantastic no matter what type. ^^ Yeah and hit all the Six Flags on the way!

^ Here's the map. I'm getting a full high-res copy so will be able to post it here in better quality soon. It's only a preliminary one but looks pretty cool so far And if it's a B&M, I'll be moving to Victoria for awhile I think!! Complete map in all its tablebreaking goodness. Zoomed-In Section

^^^ From the sounds of it though, the Victorian government are now realising what they're missing out on. ^^ I can imagine and sympathise with you. ^ If done right, a location like Sydney would work well; I don't see that place not being feasible. Sega World was crap and mainly full of arcade games you could do anywhere; Fox Studios' backlot was too small and way too touristy to hold local appeal - and had stupid rules like only being able to do the major attractions just once. I don't see these two as counting because they aren't what you'd really call proper theme parks. Don't get me started on Wonderland though, never had the chance to go there.

Already made the thread: http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=42939

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,23493113-953,00.html Victoria's African Safari World to pinch Qld theme park crown Article from: The Sunday Mail (Qld) April 06, 2008 02:08pm THE Gold Coast could lose its title as theme park Heaven when Village Roadshow builds a $220 million park with thrill rides and a zoo west of Melbourne. Entertainment giant Village Roadshow has put forward the $220 million African theme park proposal to be located at the Werribee Open Range Zoo. It is hoped construction will be completed by 2010. African Safari World is being touted as the new star in Victoria's tourism sector, attracting up to 1.3 million visitors annually and generating an economic output of $864 million for the Victorian economy over a decade. It is expected to create 6700 jobs during construction, with a further 500 jobs during operation. Village chairman John Kirby today said the theme park would combine spectacle and education in a world-class theme park which would include: - The biggest and best family and thrill-seeker rides, some never before seen in Australia; - The widest range of interactive and education zoo attractions in Australia; and, - Specially designed African and Australian habitat walking tours. Village Roadshow has a strong track record in theme parks where animals are the stars. The company includes Sea World, Australian Outback Spectacular, Sydney Wildlife World and Sydney Aquarium among its properties. Victorian Tourism Minister Tim Holding today left no doubt the State Government supported the company's latest plans. "From our perspective, this is a very exciting proposal," Mr Holding told reporters. "It's one that we think can bring great benefits, not only to Victorian families who have to fly all the way to Queensland, all the way to the Gold Coast, to see world-class theme parks." "We think it's a fantastic proposal, it's one that we want to give very serious consideration to." Nonetheless, Mr Holding said the welfare of the resident lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras and other animals was paramount. And he would not rule out the Victorian government kicking in cash for the park. "We have been concerned for some time that without a theme park here in Victoria, we are losing visitors, potential visitors from interstate and overseas," he said. "Whether a direct financial contribution is required from the state, obviously we need to work through that with Village Roadshow." "Ultimately, we would make a judgment on those sort of questions based around the benefit to Victoria, the economic benefit, the jobs, the investment, the opportunity that can be created from what is a very exciting proposal." He said Village Roadshow approached the government last year with the proposal. Zoos Victoria had been briefed on the proposal, but was seeking more information, the minister said. Village Roadshow International Theme Parks chief executive John Harnden said today the attraction would be comparable to the Disney Animal Kingdom in Florida. Comment was not immediately available from Werribee Open Range Zoo.[/b] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Wow. Finally something Australians can be majorly proud of (though our existing parks do have great things). While I wish it had been on the Gold Coast where I live, it'll be great for the Victorian area as they only have Luna Park Melbourne. Construction would begin next year with a view to opening in 2010. Another article (@ http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23490947-661,00.html) lists the following for the initial plans: -------- AN African animal tour to be known as the Serengeti Safari; A RANGE of rides including Australia's "greatest" roller-coaster and water rides; INCREASED animal numbers and habitat improvements to the existing zoo; A WILDLIFE education and conservation centre; AN Australian animal experience; A FOUR-dimensional theatre; and MAN-MADE lakes and mountains." --------------------------------------- While namedropping Animal Kingdom etc may be building the park up a bit much before the proposal has even gone through, it does sound like everyone is keen for it to go ahead. But yeah... exciting news! I've organised staff of my site to take pics of it for me but will also be flying down there periodically for other reasons so will be able to keep TPR well updated.

Yes. An Intel Core 2 Duo one with 2GB RAM When overseas, have you ever eaten something really disgusting in the name of getting some 'culture'? (No)

Nice thread Jahan. Thanks for putting the time in to make it, brings back a lot of memories.

No and still due to ride the new Intamin halfpipe 'Surfrider' at Wet'n'Wild plus I have TPR trips looming. Have you been to a ghetto fair in '08 yet?

Yes, I would prefer to know where I am but stuck in traffic. I could amuse myself by jumping from car rooftop to rooftop. Would you prefer to live in another era than the present?

No. Would you rather manage Six Flags to a Disney park?

No. Never vomited or come close to vomiting on any coaster or ride in general. Just the occasional feeling of rising panic Have you ever seen a Broadway show? (No)

No, fortunately. Do you prefer sleeping in to an early morning run?

Sorry, didn't see that. ^^ If Indiana Jones turns out to be awesome, I'll get you to aid a mass Vegemite delivery to his ranch Would you rather go on an adventure with Indiana Jones than be the next karate kid under Mr Miyagi? [Yes]

Yes. Always up for a challenge. "Too much of a good thing is wonderful" Have you ever worked at any amusement parks, carnivals or water parks?

No Do you think you would be able to survive the monster attack in Cloverfield?

Yes. Eww he didn't have to go and boil his old spandex suit... Would you prefer to visit Russia to Iceland? [Ok, random I know hehe]

No, don't think so: it always seems to be first-person perspective... Ever been to Mexico?

Yes, I certainly would. Anything to help. Have you ever had a scary experience?

I've never had Mister Donut, we just have Krispy Kreme in Australia. I think my answer would be 'yes' as KK taste seems hard to beat. Do you enjoy Subway more than Burger King? (or Hungry Jacks if you're in Australia)

Yeah. I've had a few purple t-shirts over the years. One awesome one with 'Church of Rock' on it with two guitars diagonally crossed over each other (and no religious stuff. But it looked cool). Unfortunately the washing machine ate it Are you a jazz fan?

No. Unless posting on this forum counts? ... Are you participating in Earth Hour right now? (or, if it's passed by the time you read this, did you?)

No. I've had such an empty life Are you fad-driven?

Sure do. Have you met a Hollywood celebrity?

No Do you believe in life after death?