Contracts for the new Gunnedah koala park were discussed at an extraordinary council meeting on Wednesday night, and the project is mostly set to progress on track.
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The discussion itself is confidential under the Local Government Act, which meant the meeting went into closed session.
But, the NVI understands the project is at the contractual stage between proposed operator the CaPTA Group and Gunnedah Shire Council.
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"The COVID-19 pandemic has been a difficult time for many businesses including tourism operators, and this has included the need for CaPTA to prioritise their existing operations over recent months," council's general manager Eric Groth said.
"Despite this, both CaPTA and council remain committed to the project, and, whilst elements of the timeline has been impacted due to COVID-19, [Wednesday] night's affirmation by council allows things to largely progress on track."
The pandemic has been the second setback for the multi-million dollar project, after the council announced in February that the park wouldn't be complete until December 2021, six months after the original completion date.
The park will be built on council-owned land next to Balcary Park on the Oxley Highway, and is set to also include a eucalypt plantation, themed accommodation, restaurant and function area, and mini golf course.
Future stages may include a ropes course and zip lining, and Indigenous history education and showcase area.