African Safari World was a proposed amusement park and zoo, to replace the Werribee Open Range Zoo, 32 kilometres (20 mi) southwest of Melbourne, Australia.[1][3]Warner Village Theme Parks, who already own and operate several properties on the Gold CoastinQueensland, was behind the proposal. The park was scheduled to open in 2010.[1] On 1 June 2008 the Victorian government said it had rejected the proposal, because the cost to taxpayers would have been too great.[4]
The park would have occupied 40 hectares (99 acres) of land and would include major thrill rides, roller coasters, restaurants and African-themed shops. The attractions would tie in with the existing open range zoo, sharing an African safari theme and the zoo would be redeveloped.
The project was estimated to cost A$220 million, was expected to draw 1.3 million visitors each year and add A$864 million to the state's economy over 10 years. 6,700 new construction jobs would be created and the park itself would employ 500 people during operation.[3] It would have been marketed as a location where "animal adventure meets thrills and excitement".[2]
Victorian Tourism Minister Tim Holding supported the proposal, stating; "From our perspective, this is a very exciting proposal...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."[7]
Unfortunately the cost to the Victoria taxpayer was expected to exceed A$100 million. This factor, combined with Werribee Open Range Zoo's refusal[8] caused the plan to be indefinitely delayed.[9]
In July 2013, it was proposed by Geelong City Council that a theme park be built at nearby Avalon Airport, and they have restarted discussions with Village Roadshow.[10]
