Updated December 6, 2022
A contract has been awarded for construction of Stage 2 of the new Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary. The successful tenderer, David Payne Constructions, is expected to begin construction soon.
The sanctuary has just been awarded $5.624 million for Stage 2 through the NSW Government's Resources for Region Round 9. The funding is in addition to $6.48 million from the NSW Government's Regional Communities Fund.
The plans designed by Dunn & Hillam Architects for the staged project will include a wildlife centre and hospital building which will house the main entry, shop and café, an education auditorium and animal enclosures.
Future plans may include a petting zoo, nature playground, koala and other animal enclosures, a wildlife sanctuary walk, a caretaker’s residence, picnic areas, a cultural heritage display and demonstration area, caravan sites and safari tent accommodation.
The sanctuary will be built in a bushland setting with Oxley Highway frontage and entry through Hunts Road and thousands of trees have already been planted at two plantation sites to provide food for the park’s koalas.
Fast facts:
- 10,000 trees are being planted to support the Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary
- Adult koalas eat between 200 and 500g of leaves a day
- The Koala Sanctuary hospital plans include: four small and two large intensive care units, up to 12 small animal enclosures, a large clinic, separate reception area, external rehabilitation enclosures and seven pre-release enclosures
- Oxley Highway frontage with entry on Hunts Road to minimise impact on traffic flow
- The animals will be protected with predator-proof external fencing
- The plans are green-friendly with extensive rainwater collection and solar systems.
The development application was approved by the NSW Government in late 2021.
Further updates to follow.
