Council recommits to Koala Sanctuary

A contract has been awarded for the continued construction of Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary in North-Eastern New South Wales.

Despite a funding shortfall, Gunnedah Shire Council voted to renew its commitment to the sanctuary; appointing David Payne Constructions to lead Stage 2 of the construction project.

Stage 1 of the project included site identification, design, development approval and expressions of interest for construction.

Council agreed to seek additional grant funding to cover the shortfall or, should that not be successful, to utilise loan funding to ensure the project goes ahead.

Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor, Jamie Chaffey, said the project’s initial budget was insufficient to cover rising costs resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“Times have changed since we were awarded $6.48 million towards the establishment of the Koala Sanctuary and Education Centre through the NSW Government’s Regional Communities Development Fund in June 2018,” Mayor Chaffey said.

“We were right on the brink of a pandemic that has had ramifications across the world in every industry, and construction has been hit hard by escalating costs.

“I’m pleased to say that Gunnedah Shire Council remains committed to this truly exciting project and are making sure it proceeds.

“The Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary will be a world-class koala park including an educational centre and a learning auditorium, a dedicated centre for sick and injured koalas and native animals for treatment and rehabilitation and will support koala conservation, providing access for the study of native species.

“It will also showcase Gunnedah as the Koala Capital of the World and help ensure koalas remain a part of our lives into the future.

“We are thrilled to be proceeding with the Koala Sanctuary and congratulate David Payne Constructions on being awarded the tender. We look forward to working with them to make this a reality.”

The development application for the sanctuary was approved by the New South Wales Government in late 2021 and works will commence on site within the next few months.

Feature Image: Gunnedah Shire Mayor, Jamie Chaffey, and Member for Tamworth, Kevin Anderson, at the Koala Sanctuary site in 2021. Image: Gunnedah Shire Council.