The Blue Mountain’s infamous Three Sisters is visited by thousands of tourists each year.

But a proposed tourist attraction, set to exhibit koalas in a shopping centre close to the Three Sisters lookout, has outraged local residents and animal welfare groups.

They say the development reeks of unethical tourism and animal cruelty.

The developer, Fivex Property Group, says the exhibit would encourage tourists into the shopping centre, increasing its financial viability.

While the Blue Mountains Council has already denied the development, Fivex have turned to the Land and Environment Court of New South Wales to approve their plan.

This report from 2ser’s Rosie Lewis begins with the general manager of Fivex, Lesli Berger.