THE proposed Grampians-based Wildlife Art Museum of Australia is expected to create 100 jobs and bring more than $150 million to the region's economy in its first 10 years.
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The $22 million project would be the first dedicated centre in Australia celebrating the unique relationship between wildlife art and science.
A $50,000 WAMA Economic and Social Impact Study was undertaken over the past three months with funding from Regional Development Victoria, the Northern Grampians Shire Council and the WAMA Foundation.
The independent study was compiled using Bureau of Statistics data, tourism and local economic information, reviews and comparisons with other museums and botanic gardens around Australia and overseas, input from local stakeholders and recognised methods of analysis and modelling.
It predicts that the WAMA project will create more than 60 full-time equivalent jobs during construction and about 40 during early operating years.
After 10 years of operation, it is expected to have attracted over 250,000 visitors annually with a significant number of international visitors, bringing $29 million per year into the region.
WAMA chairman Greg Lewin welcomed the study findings, saying the comprehensive report provided solid research into the museum's substantial potential benefits for the region and state.
“The Foundation appreciates the funding support from RDV and we now look forward to further discussion with both state and Commonwealth agencies responsible for regional development, tourism and major arts projects,” Mr Lewin said.
“We believe that this independent study confirms that WAMA is deserving of serious consideration as a critical regional development initiative.”