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AAPContact usHelp CentrePrivacy PolicyAbout usView Subscription OffersThe Examiner's complete view of propertyHome/News/Local NewsTasmania Zoo still waiting for promised grantBy Ryan

YoungUpdated July 2 2021 - 2:35am, first published June 19 2020 - 7:30pmBy Ryan YoungUpdated July 2 2021 - 2:35am, first published June 19 2020 -

7:30pmFacebookTwitterWhatsappEmailCopyPREPARING TO OPEN: Tasmania Zoo owner Rochelle Penney has decided to reopen the tourist attraction on June 26, despite a battle to access government

grants. Picture: Ryan Young A desperately needed federal government grant promised to Tasmania Zoo almost two months ago has still not been delivered to the struggling tourist attraction.

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50% off EOFY SaleAll articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperCrosswords, Sudoku and TriviaAll other regional websites in your areaContinue In April zoos and

wildlife parks in Tasmania impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic were promised a share of a $94.6 million support package to cover up to six months of operating costs.

To date, only two funding agreements have been finalised for Tasmanian businsess and the three months of restrictions which prevented Tasmania Zoo from opening have left owner Rochelle

Penney about $500,000 out-of-pocket.

"When we first found out about the grant, it was sort of indicated to us that we may have been seeing funds within about 10 days," Ms Penney said.

"It was an application online, mine was put in roughly around mid-May."

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MayNew Northern Regional Prison site 5.2 kilometres from Westbury Last Monday Ms Penney contacted Austrade, the government agency administering the grants, to ask about the status of the

grant application.

"I was told by the lovely gentleman that our application hadn't even been assigned to someone," she said.

"It hadn't even been looked at. I was really, really surprised because I really thought that help was on its way."

Ms Penney said while she was left in no doubt the grant money would be delivered, the waiting and uncertainty was stressful.

"Everyone thinks we're getting help, but we still don't even know how much we'll get or when," Ms Penney said.

In addition to not receiving the federal grant, Ms Penney claimed she was unable to access a $15,000 Tasmanian Government small business hardship grant.

"There was no closing date on the application, I couldn't supply the documents that were needed so I contacted my accountant and she got back to me a couple of weeks later and I jumped back

online to apply and it said 'sorry it's closed'," she explained.

Assistant Regional Tourism Minister Jonno Duniam said the government wanted the grant money to flow as soon as possible and that Austrade was making it happen.

"Importantly, funding is backdated so no matter when a zoo's application is received, it will still receive funding for up to six months from April," senator Duniam said.

Ms Penney said the zoo, which employed nine people pre-pandemic, would reopen on June 26 in-line with more restrictions easing.

"We're going to be offering a 20 per cent off entry fee for children and given it's the school holidays the following week we're hoping that some families might come and support us," she

advised.

What do you think? Send us a letter to the editor:ShareFacebookTwitterWhatsappEmailCopyRyan YoungJournalistJournalist at The Examiner in Launceston via the Daily Liberal at Dubbo.Journalist

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