Port Macquarie Koala Hospital: Contract awarded for $10m redevelopment
Port Macquarie Koala Hospital has awarded a $10m contract to spruce up its premises with a new showcase elevated forest walkway for visitors and updated facilities. Here’s the latest.
Mid-North Coast
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There has been a major milestone in the redevelopment of the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital with a builder awarded the $10m contract.
A W Edwards, which is the leading firm on the massive Metro rail project in Sydney, has been tasked with constructing the new-look facility over the next 18 months although the project could be delivered sooner.
The project will provide larger treatment facilities including new veterinary clinics, recovery wards and intensive care units for injured koalas equipped with cutting-edge medical technology.
Rehabilitation enclosures are also being expanded and made more naturalistic and the visitor education centre upgraded to be more interactive with a larger shop and a new all-abilities elevated walkway winding through the forest to showcase permanent koala exhibits.
Staff and visitors will also enjoy better amenities.
In preparation for the works the site has been fenced off and cleared.
Staff and koalas have been relocated to the Wild Koala Breeding Centre at Guulabaa in the Cowarra State Forest.
Acting General Manager of Koala Conservation Australia Paul White said the redevelopment “will give us the infrastructure to care for more koalas, educate more people and continue our important research”.
“We’re thrilled to partner with a contractor that not only shares our values but is actively contributing to the conservation cause every step of the way,” he said.
The contract was awarded out of competitive tender process, which assessed A W Edwards on their track record, attention to environmental sensitivity and commitment to innovation.
“A W Edwards is delighted to be partnering with Koala Conservation Australia to deliver the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital redevelopment.,” A W Edwards CEO Justin Smith said.
“Our business is committed to positively contributing to the local community of Port Macquarie, having been established there for over 25 years.
“This project aligns with our commitment to sustainability, biodiversity conservation and care for all forms of life.”
In redeveloping the facility A W Edwards has committed to conservation-first construction methods, such as salvaging and repurposing timber and metals while minimising earthworks to protect tree root systems.
A W Edwards will also hold environmental workshops and staff will take part in volunteer bush regeneration and community clean-ups.
Recycling programs will include a return-and-earn bottle scheme, with funds donated to Koala Conservation Australia.
The $10m price tag is being funded by $5m from the NSW government’s Restart NSW Program and $5m from Koala Conservation Australia.
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