Gunnedah Shire Council awards construction contract for Koala Sanctuary

Gunnedah Shire Council, located in the North West Slopes region of New South Wales, has awarded David Payne Constructions the contract for construction of Stage 2 of the new Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary.

The Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary will be a world-class koala park built in a bushland setting with Oxley Highway frontage and entry through Hunts Road. It will include 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.

Gunnedah Shire Council voted at its July meeting to renew its commitment to the koala sanctuary despite a funding shortfall caused by skyrocketing supply and labour costs following the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey explained “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.

“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 it sure it proceeds.

“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.”

Gunnedah Shire Council is in active discussions with potential operators for the park.

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

Council have already planted more than 5000 eucalyptus fodder trees that will be used as a food source and perching for the care facility. The development application for the sanctuary was approved by the NSW Government in late 2021 and works will commence on site within the next few months.

David Payne Constructions is expected to finalise designs before beginning construction later this year.

Image: Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Local State Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson at the Koala Sanctuary site last year. Courtesy Gunnedah Shire Council