Too soon for koala information day says Gunnedah council, operator

A proposal to stage a community information day for Gunnedah’s new koala sanctuary, has been quashed – for now.

As the $22.7 million Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary nears the final stages of construction, some have called for greater community inclusion in the project by way of an information day.

The idea was floated by Gunnedah shire councillor Robert Hoddle who suggested the event would have included an opportunity for the community to hear from key stakeholders on the project, ask questions and undertake a guided tour of the completed elements of the site. The event would have been hosted by Gunnedah Shire Council as the project proponent.

Cr Hoddle thought it was important to involve the community in the sanctuary development which has been running for three years.

“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,” Cr Hoddle told fellow councillors at the time.

In a report to council last week, staff explained work on a suitable format for the information day is being developed with a yet, unnamed park operator, but would prefer a date closer to the sanctuary’s anticipated opening in 2026.

“Council is planning to undertake the information day in conjunction with the preferred operator,” the report said.

“Discussions between council and the preferred operator have identified that the optimal timing for the information day would be close to the opening date.

“This is to capitalise on public interest in the koala sanctuary and to align this with the preferred operator’s vision.”

The report added that council and the preferred operator were eager to generate interest from key stakeholders, such as government, universities and wildlife carer groups. Council was also required to give three weeks’ notice for a government representative to attend.

Additionally, any costs associated with holding an information day would need to be sourced from council’s 2025/26 approved budget.

When the matter was heard at last week’s ordinary meeting of council, Cr Hoddle agreed with the report that it would be “better to wait” before holding a community information event.

Councillor Juliana McArthur emphasised the project “is progressing” and this decision would allow council “the freedom to keep negotiating” on what will be a “very special development for Gunnedah”.

The proposal decision comes as the Australian Koala Foundation prepares to mark ‘Save the Koala Month’ in September.

The annual worldwide event aims to share the foundation’s work with children and adults who are passionate about educating themselves about koalas and their habitat.