That's what the shire council wants to know, as it calls for expressions of interest for an operator for the koala park and education centre to be established in Gunnedah.

The council is seeking suitable groups - perhaps involved in wildlife, tourism, animal conservation, education or research - to help with the design and then run the centre.

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Gunnedah shire mayor Jamie Chaffey said he invited applicants to "show vision, innovation and experience in their proposals".

"What we want delivered is a world-class koala park and education centre that is sustainable for the long-term and is iconic to Gunnedah," he said.

"This project is significant for our shire and will see benefits in koala conservation, as well as for our tourism, economic development and education sectors."

The council was awarded $6.48 million in state government funds for the project, under the Regional Communities Development Fund.