Council decided to grant the zoo with a permit for use and development of a Zoo and associated buildings and works.

It was also granted a permit for Display of Business Identification Signage subject to planning permit conditions.

The permits were granted at a council meeting this month.

Cr Jason Hosemans said permit issues with the zoo had been an ongoing saga.

“We are a shire who is not familiar with zoos,” he said.

“It’s complicated – there is a lot of planning and containment issues with development.”

Cr Wayne Rice said issues started after the business went from being a wildlife park to a zoo.

“There has been so much red tape over the years,” he said.

Cr Karen Hyslop said the permits will specify which animals are and are not permitted on site.