George rules out ticketed entry for Serendip Sanctuary

LARA MP Ella George has ruled out any move to make Serendip Sanctuary a paid attraction, rejecting community calls to introduce ticketed entry to help expand its animal exhibits.

Her comments follow persistent concern among residents about the long-term future of the sanctuary, which once drew visitors for its successful captive breeding program for threatened and endangered species.

Parks Victoria began removing native animal exhibits from the site in mid-2022, despite community feedback supporting the retention of the program.

A business case for Serendip’s future, released under freedom of information legislation last year, confirmed Parks never intended to continue captive breeding under its renewed vision for the site.

That vision is backed by $11 million in state government funding, with improvements to the site’s education centre, roaming wildlife viewing areas, entry and car park expected to begin in the new year.

Last month, Parks Victoria general manager David Petty told this masthead the organisation did not have the resources to operate Serendip as a full-scale wildlife service, but confirmed it was in discussions with Zoos Victoria and Odonata about establishing a haven for “insurance populations” of certain species, mostly birds, within the sanctuary.

The Lara Care Group remains firmly opposed to the new direction and continues to push for the return of wildlife exhibits.

The group has called for a model similar to Kyabram Fauna Park to be considered to boost tourism and provide the funds needed to restore and maintain an endangered species breeding program.

“If we want to have an attraction, if we want to put value into it, there may be some elements of Serendip which could be commercial,” group spokesperson Barry White said.

“I’m talking about hospitality, I’m talking about an art gallery, a photo gallery and guided tours.”

Ms George said she would not support any proposal that would see families purchasing tickets to visit Serendip.

“Keeping Serendip free ensures it remains accessible to everyone,” she said. “It fosters an inclusive environment where nature can be appreciated by all, regardless of socioeconomic status. I think this is particularly important when many families are struggling with the cost of living.”

She agreed, however, that small-scale commercial elements, such as a cafe, gift shop or ranger-led tours, could help raise funds to reinvest in the sanctuary.

Mr Petty said keeping Victoria’s national and state parks free ensured everyone can connect with nature.

“This includes Serendip Sanctuary, where we continue to support its role in education, conservation and as a place to see free-roaming wildlife,” he said.