COVID challenges change course of Koala Sanctuary

September 9, 2021

Gunnedah’s Koala Sanctuary remains something significant to look forward following the pandemic, but will have new operators at the helm.

Gunnedah Shire Council has received notification from tourism operator The CaPTA Group it has been forced to withdraw from the project due to the “huge toll” the pandemic has taken on the Australian tourism industry.

The CaPTA Group, which is based in Far North Queensland, advised it had “no choice” but to withdraw, but wished Gunnedah Shire Council every success with the Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary project, and hoped for a solution that would be in the best interests of our wild koalas and beautiful region.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said while the news was disappointing, the Koala Sanctuary project would continue for Gunnedah.

“The tourism industry has faced enormous challenges during this pandemic, and we understand the need for operators to concentrate on their existing attractions,” Cr Chaffey said.

“We have been lucky enough to have the ear and advice of this very experienced tourism group during the critical design phase of our Koala Sanctuary, and we intend to continue with progress on this important project. The development application was lodged with the NSW Government in February and when it is approved, we are poised to start on the next part of the project.

“Our intention is to look at alternate arrangements for its operation. We can’t say at this stage what that will look like, but it does give us the opportunity to look at all kinds of options.

“We remain committed to this project, and excited about what it will mean for both the region’s koala population, and for Gunnedah.”

The planned Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary is located on a 50-acre bushland site on the Oxley Highway, and includes a koala hospital and sanctuary. About 10,000 trees have already been planted for use as food trees at plantation sites for the koalas.

The Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary project secured $6.48 million through the NSW Government’s Regional Social Benefit Infrastructure Fund. Council has also applied for $1.75 million through the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund to allow the full project to proceed as soon as possible.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson view plans for the Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.