John Quinn, owner of the zoo, remains tight lipped about the move, but Luke Smith, Logan City Councillor, revealed that a lease has been signed and the move will go ahead in the near future.
Many Moreton Bay residents are strongly against the move, claiming the region will be losing an important attraction, along with green recreational space. According to Melissa Chambers, who lives nearby:
“One less tourist attraction in the area, and more concrete and bitumen taking its place.”
Her opinion is not an isolated one, with many others joining the fight to keep the attraction where it is. Patrons of the zoo are disheartened to imagine the leafy icon being covered over with concrete. Most would prefer a new housing estate be built on a less attractive parcel of land.
Member for Kallangur, Trevor Ruthenberg, supports the zoo but also argues there are still plenty of attractions in the area. He cites the Lakeside Raceway and Lake Kurwongbah as significant tourist destinations. Mr Ruthenberg has little power to influence the move, however, as the zoo is privately owned.
While not everyone is happy about the move, which is expected to happen next year, the council is keeping residents updated with the help of printing companies. Those in Slacks Creek are thought to be excited by the prospect of a new tourism boost in the area.