Tender Process Commences for Redevelopment of Port Macquarie Koala Hospital Following DA Approval

Koala Conservation Australia (KCA) is pleased to announce the commencement of the tender process for the redevelopment of its iconic Port Macquarie Koala Hospital. The project, which has received significant funding from the NSW Government (Restart NSW grant), administered by Infrastructure NSW, recently received development approval and is now ready to proceed to tender.

This critical next step follows a pre-selection phase, where six tenderers were shortlisted from a competitive Expression of Interest (EOI). The tenderers will now participate in an interactive tender process to finalise the construction plans for this landmark project.

The redevelopment will significantly enhance the Hospital’s capacity to rescue, treat, and rehabilitate koalas, while also expanding its research capabilities and visitor experience, and allow for more education programs. With the DA now approved, the project is moving closer to construction, marking a major milestone in the hospital’s mission to save koalas from extinction, and protect their habitats.

About the Redevelopment Project

The new Koala Hospital will have:

• Expanded Treatment Facilities: New veterinary clinics, recovery wards, and intensive care units equipped with cutting-edge medical technology
• Enhanced Rehabilitation Enclosures: Larger, naturalistic enclosures to support the recovery and release of koalas back into the wild
• Visitor Education Facilities: Interactive spaces and facilities to educate the public about koala conservation and the importance of protecting Australia’s native wildlife
• Updated Koala Exhibit Enclosures: Visitors will be able to view our permanent koala exhibits via an elevated walkway winding through the forest

Interactive Tender Process

The tender process will involve an interactive approach, allowing pre-selected tenderers to collaborate closely with the KCA team. Fostering collaboration and innovation, the tender process will ensure that the final design and construction plans align with the Hospital’s vision for a world-class facility that prioritises koala welfare, environmental sustainability, and community engagement.

“We’re thrilled to move into this next phase of the redevelopment project,” said Maria Doherty, KCAs General Manager.

“The interactive tender process will allow us to work closely with experienced contractors to refine the plans and ensure the new facility meets the highest standards of care for koalas while providing an exceptional experience for our visitors and community.”

The Koala Hospital will be temporarily relocated to KCAs other facility at Guulabaa - Place of Koala, Port Macquarie where KCA’s volunteers and staff will continue to rescue, care for and treat sick and injured koalas from the Port Macquarie Hastings region and surrounds.

Community Support and Fundraising

Koala Conservation Australia (KCA) operate the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, the brand-new Wild Koala Breeding Program and Visitor Centre at Guulabaa, and two koala food plantations. The redevelopment of the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital is made possible through the generous support of the NSW government, donors, grants, and partnerships. The Hospital continues to fundraise to ensure the project’s success and invites the community to contribute to this vital initiative.

Stay Connected

For updates on the redevelopment project, tender process, and fundraising initiatives, follow Koala Conservation Australia on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/koala-conservation-australia/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/koalaconservationaus

Instagram: www.instagram.com/portmacquariekoalahospital

TikTok: @koalaconserve.aus

Together, we can build a brighter future for koalas and ensure Koala Conservation Australia remains a global leader in koala conservation.

Maria Doherty - General Manager

Koala Conservation Australia

T | 02 6584 1522 | E maria.doherty@koalaconservationaustralia.org.au

FURTHER MEDIA RELEASE DETAILS

Koala Conservation Australia Limited (KCA) is a not for profit charity that manages the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital and the world’s first Wild Koala Breeding Program, with the new facility due to open at the end of 2024 showcasing an incredible, immersive visitor experience at Guulabaa – Place of Koala. KCA also operates two koala food plantations with more than 14,000 koala food trees.

The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital is a popular tourist attraction, scientific research and education centre and a wildlife rehabilitation facility. The Hospital is situated in the Macquarie Nature Reserve close to the centre of Port Macquarie and receives over 100,000 visitors a year, a combination of local, national and international tourists. The Koala Hospital rescues, rehabilitates and releases wild koalas.

Koala Conservation Australia has the wider mission to lead the world in the care and conservation of wild koalas, to increase knowledge and understanding of the species and to work collaboratively to ensure their survival into the future.