Gunnedah koala sanctuary information day to rally public support for $22mil facility

A Gunnedah shire councillor is looking to shore up local community support for the besieged koala sanctuary project.

In a notice of motion delivered to colleagues, Cr Robert Hoddle requested council investigate the cost of holding an information day to mark completion of stage two of the koala sanctuary.

He said the $22.6 million project in Gunnedah held great merit but had not been without its troubles.

“I’m particularly proud of this sanctuary … but it’s a very difficult one for us,” Cr Hoddle said.

“We can be proactive before it’s opened and bring the community into this project because we need the community with us if it’s going to be a success.”

Issues such as the withdrawal of the original park operator, then a $6.2 million shortfall in project funds due to “skyrocketing supply and labour costs”, have haunted the facility.

The sanctuary, which is located on a 50-acre bushland site west of Gunnedah, has also been the target of criticism during commuity consultation for Gunnedah’s special rate variation which takes effect in July.

According to council’s project update, the sanctuary – which would include tourist accommodation and animal attractions – is due for completion in March 2026.

In 2022, council and parliamentary representatives staged a “sod turning” for the official start of the of the project but there has been little community engagement on the project since.

With the sanctuary nearing completion, Cr Hoddle was eager to capture the public’s attention and rally their support.

He proposed the koala sanctuary information day would include an opportunity for members and guests to hear from key stakeholders on the project and ask questions at an appropriate venue within the Gunnedah CBD.

Cr Hoddle suggested holding the event in town as he anticipated the sanctuary worksite would prove problematic for safety reasons.

However, the notice of motion endorsed by council also suggested there would be further opportunity for members of the public and invited guests to undertake a guided tour of the completed elements of the site.

Council would provide transport to and from the site for those participating in the tour, and report back to council at the July 2025 ordinary meeting.

Cr Hoddle proposed invitations be sent to politicians, wildlife parks and other koala-related organisations to attend the information event.

He suggested this could coincide with a mailing list about future updates and happenings at the koala sanctuary in Gunnedah.

“It is about trying to get ideas going … hopefully next year this [sanctuary] has to be operating,” he said.

Councillor Cameron Moore agreed there should be more awareness about the koala sanctuary in the Gunnedah community.

“If people don’t know what’s happening, [the project] tends to be just a number on a balance sheet,” he said.

Before the original proposal to hold the event was changed to “investigate” the feasibility of running one, fellow councillor Juliana McArthur suggested a budget be introduced to cover cost.

Cr Hoddle agreed this was a pertinent point given council’s current financial position and upcoming rate rise introduction.

Gunnedah Shire Council is proposing the koala sanctuary would also include tourist accommodation and animal attractions, animal enclosures, wildlife sanctuary walking trails, accommodation, a caretaker’s residence and picnic areas.

A koala hospital, including ICU rooms, are also planned, as well as a large café overlooking the surrounding area, and the ticketing counter and gift shop.

A council spokesperson said while a preliminary construction completion date has been forecast, no opening date has been set as adverse weather could impact this timeline.

The total cost for the the koala sanctuary now stands at $22.664 million. This comprises of NSW Government contribution ($20,104,248), Whitehaven Coal Mining ($2,000,000) and Gunnedah Shire Council: ($559,752).

The koala sanctuary under construction earlier this year.