Surprise claws in Durie’s latest landscaping contract at Gold Coast’s Dreamworld
Emily Selleck, Gold Coast Bulletin
35 minutes ago
JAMIE Durie’s landscaping gigs don’t usually leave him with tiger scratch marks but it’s not every day you get to design Tiger Island at Dreamworld.
“When I got the call I hung up the phone and yelled, ‘We’re building a tiger garden’ to my whole design office,” Mr Durie said.
“This project is really close to my heart because it involves conservation, preservation and sustainability.”
Mr Durie said he went to “extreme lengths” to make sure the turf was perfect for the tigers.
“This is the extent we would go to for elite athletes,” he said.
Tiger Island landscape designer Jamie Durie, right, has gone to extreme lengths to make sure the turf was perfect for the tigers.
“The secret to a good lawn is good drainage and access to oxygen and nutrients.
“When we brought it (the turf) in we made sure it was semi-washed so we weren’t bringing any pathogens (and) when the tigers run, coursing into the turf, it will re-establish itself in record time.”
The project, set to open on September 16, has been in the works for more than a year.
“Theme parks of ‘yesteryear’ would think more about attendees than the habitat,” he said. “But we’re not creating a show, we’re creating a wildlife for these animals.”