Port Macquarie Koala Hospital Redevelopment - 2025

With Koala Conservation Australia's new Wild Koala Breeding Program and Visitor Centre due for launch in December 2024, we are also excited to be moving forward with the redevelopment of the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital (PMKH). This month KCA lodged the development application for the redevelopment which is major step forward for this project.

What is being proposed?

The PMKH redevelopment with offer:

• improved koala care housing;
• modern veterinary facilities;
• all abilities raised walkways and landscaping;
• a large museum and shop; and
• new facilities for staff and volunteers.

Key features of the Development

• A raised all abilities walkway will weave amongst the gum trees, guiding you through interactive and informative educational visitor experiences.
• Along the way, you can rest amongst the trees while you watch koalas, listen to birdlife, and watch our busy team and volunteers care for the koalas.
• A storytelling circle is provided for sharing in the history of koalas and their relationship with the traditional owners.
• Visitors with a stomach for medical procedures will be able to watch the vet saving koalas and to experience post mortems.
• The new post mortem room is part of the modern veterinary facilities that include ICU, research and clinical care facilities.
• When you're done learning about the koalas and enjoying their company, you can help save koalas by visiting the new shop to purchase a gift and by signing up to our great care programs.
• All of Koala Conservation Australia's work is supported by volunteers and staff who will enjoy upgraded work areas, lunch rooms and amenities.

What is the timeline?

Pending approval by Council, construction at the Koala Hospital is expected to start towards the middle of 2025. Unfortunately, the Hospital will need to close temporarily for the redevelopment works which are expected to take around 18 months.

Where will the koalas go?

Koalas and care services at the hospital will be relocated to our new Wild Koala Breeding Facility at Guulabaa - Place of Koala, where we have fantastic new facilities including a visitor education centre, koala exhibits, breeding facilities and koala care facilities.

To assist visitors and volunteers with visiting and connecting with koalas, KCA are investigating ways to connect our Guulabaa facility, in the Cowarra State Forest, with Port Macquarie.

What next?

The proposed development represents a significant opportunity for rescue and rehabilitation, research, and improving the future for koalas. As the application moves forward, we will work closely with our staff, volunteers and the wider community to get the best outcomes for the project and for the benefit of koalas.

Let’s keep the conversation going and work together to create a vibrant future for our koalas! Stay tuned for updates as this exciting project progresses!