Original story at ABC News
A $5 million application has been lodged to expand the Australian Shark and Ray Centre at Port Stephens. Owners of the Australian Shark and Ray Centre at Port Stephens want to expand to cater for growing tourist numbers. Photo: Brad Norman/Eco-ocean
Port Stephens Council is assessing plans for a $5 million expansion of the Australian Shark and Ray Centre at Bobs Farm.
The proposal includes the construction of more tourist accommodation, a new aquarium and an equestrian centre, as well as setting aside an area for recreational fishing.
Director Andrew Tindale says the centre needs to expand to cater for the increasing number of national and international tourists.
“There’s several elements to the proposal,” he said.
“We have a lot of cabins, we have a fairly impressive Lake which will be built for larger families.
“The equestrian centre is potential for people who want to bring their horse to have a holiday.
“It’s a great place for it so obviously they can also come to see the sharks and rays and get in the water and feed them as well.”
Mr Tindale say the expansion plans will eventually include building one of the largest aquariums in the world.
“We have a long term vision for a super big aquarium, probably one of the biggest in the world,” he said.
“A bit different to your standard, as ours already is.
“Something for people to get in and experience some really big sharks and rays and hopefully we will have the largest collection of those large animals, possibly anywhere in the world.”
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