The Hon Kristy McBain MP
Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories
Federal Member for Eden-Monaro

MEDIA RELEASE

The extended Eden Killer Whale Museum has officially opened to the public today, with new galleries and a mobility-impaired lift making this local attraction bigger, better and more accessible than ever.

Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain visited the site today, taking in what the museum has on offer, including in the new spaces.

The project renewed the existing galleries, installed a lift to service all three levels of the building, and delivered new gallery spaces along with a climate-controlled collection store.

Those with mobility issues can now fully appreciate all of the experiences offered by the museum thanks to the new lift, which will also provide easier access to the research library and collection storage areas.

Extensions to the Eden Killer Whale Museum and the new galleries will strengthen and enhance the visitor experience and help meet the future needs of the expanding cruise ship market.

Additionally, current conservation concerns will be eased thanks to the new storage space, which will also assist with the continued growth of the collection.

These upgrades mean the facility will offer a better visitor experience that presents the whaling story in a safer, more comfortable exhibition space – one that is accessible to more people than ever before.

The facility will open 364 days a year and meet both the current and future needs of locals, tourists, visitors and the expanding cruise ship market. More than 55,000 people are expected to visit the facility each and every year.

The project also provided a welcome boost to the local economy during construction, which supported 12 jobs.

The Australian Government delivered $640,000 to the $1.286 million project, with the Eden Killer Whale Museum Management Committee Incorporated providing the remaining $646,000.

Quotes attributable to Federal Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Minister Kristy McBain:

“The Australian Government is proud to have funded this expansion project, making it a reality for Eden.

“Now bigger, better and more accessible than ever, the Eden Killer Whale Museum is a real treat to visit and learn about the town’s whaling history.

“It will also help boost visitor numbers for the Sapphire Coast, providing greater economic benefits to the region’s economy by increasing museum admissions and retail sales within the local Eden community.

“I am thrilled to be here today to see this fantastic space and what our investment in critical regional tourism infrastructure means to the communities it benefits.”