Updated 18 September, 2024

In 2022/23, construction commenced on the Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary. The sanctuary is located on a 50-acre bushland site on the Oxley Highway.

Council secured $12.1 million in funding from the NSW Government to build a large wildlife centre and hospital.

Council also secured $8 million from the NSW Government's Regional Tourism Activation Fund and $2 million from Whitehaven Coal Mining to complete the next stage of the sanctuary, which will include tourist accommodation and animal attractions. The sanctuary will include animal enclosures, wildlife sanctuary walking trails, accommodation, a caretaker's residence and picnic areas.

This stage of the project is due to be completed during the 2024/25 financial year.

The sanctuary entry  will be through Hunts Road and thousands of trees have already been planted at two plantation sites to provide food for the park’s koalas.

Once completed, the sanctuary will provide both tourism and conservation benefits for koalas and the shire.

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
• 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.