17 October 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council has approved an operational model for the new $6.48 million Gunnedah Koala Park and Hospital that will feature themed accommodation, a restaurant/function area and a ropes course and an international volunteer program.

Councillors yesterday voted to approve a model and location for the Koala Park.

A 50 acre bush setting with its entrance on the Oxley Highway has been chosen as the preferred location after extensive review by both Council and the proposed operator, the CaPTA Group.

Other features of the concept include plans for Gunnedah’s own big koala at the entrance to the park. The giant koala will be a tourist attraction in its own right, joining Australia’s other famous super-sized items such as the Big Prawn and the Big Banana.

The site will also include a eucalyptus plantation, mini-golf, an education centre, and a crocodile enclosure.

“This project is on a scale that is new to Gunnedah and will secure the Shire’s place as a tourism destination for both the domestic and international market,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“It will also mean we are taking steps to care for our koala population, and we are helping to educate generations about the native species that has made us the Koala Capital of the World.

“There is still a lot of work to be done before Gunnedah Koala Park becomes a reality, but we now have in place the funding, the experience and expertise in the form of the CaPTA Group, a preferred location, a feasible operational model for the park.

“This is a truly exciting project for our Shire that could have both significant conservation and economic benefits. Estimates have shown the koala park is likely to attract about 70,000 visitors each year and inject millions into our local economy.

“The preferred location is council-owned. The park is likely to be leased to a non-profit organisation to be established including experienced CaPTA representatives and local representatives. This is the perfect solution for the primary purpose of caring for sick and injured wildlife and will support corporate and private donations towards the hospital.

“We are looking forward to working with CaPTA to bring this project closer to reality.”

Gunnedah Koala Park fast facts:

• The Gunnedah Koala Park project has secured $6.48 million through the NSW Government’s Regional Social Benefit Infrastructure Fund
• The park site and infrastructure will be owned by Gunnedah Shire Council
• Following an expressions of interest process, Council has signed a memorandum of understanding with the CaPTA Group, an experienced tourism operator
• A preferred location has been approved on the Oxley Highway in Gunnedah
• Gunnedah Koala Park will include a koala and wildlife hospital, wildlife park, themed accommodation, a restaurant/function/education area, a ropes course and mini golf course
• The design includes a big koala at the entrance to the park and a eucalyptus plantation on the site
• There are plans in future stages to include an Indigenous history education/showcase area
• Themed accommodation on-site
• An international volunteer program
• About 70,000 people are expected to visit the park each year
• It is envisaged the park will operate through a lease with a new non-profit organisation made up of CaPTA representatives and local representatives
• The hospital would be staffed by a mix of paid staff and volunteers
• CaPTA is known for creating an immersive, free-range experience where visitors can have up-close experience with the animals
• There are plans to include a crocodile enclosure. The park would also feature two walk through bird aviaries, macropod, dingo, wombat, nocturnal animal and reptile enclosures alongside the main attraction – the koala area.

Photo caption: The preferred site for the new Gunnedah Koala Park.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.