ON-SITE camping, a zipline, and a koala sanctuary with ample room for sick koalas are all listed in the 548-page development application (DA) for the Gunnedah koala park.
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The DA is now on display for residents to voice their opinions, but at more than a ream's length, locals will need a cup of tea or two by their side to get through it all.
SJB Planning has drawn up the document, and highlights the koala sanctuary as the "core" of the development.
They've described the purpose of the entire development is to "create a place where sick and injured koalas are able to be taken for medical treatment and rehabilitation".
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"Upon rehabilitation, the aim is to be able to release the koalas back into the wild. If the koalas are so injured or incapacitated that they are unable to return to the wild, then the koalas will be accommodated and cared for at the sanctuary indefinitely," the plans read.
The sanctuary is set to include intensive care unit rooms (ICUs) and a preparation area; hospital reception; medical clinics; viewing windows and platform into the clinic within the veterinary hospital, as well as external koala rehabilitation enclosures within the sanctuary, allowing for a staged return back into the wild.
The koala hospital will be located within the main wildlife centre, with a separate entrance to allow access for people delivering injured wildlife.
Day-to-day running of the veterinary hospital, daily care of the koalas and the rehabilitation programs will be undertaken by 10 full-time staff, with additional opportunities and accommodation provided for 16 volunteers.
Aside from this, SJB Planning has included all of the other attractions, like accommodation for volunteer staff; a wildlife sanctuary with a bushwalking path and interpretive signage; an accessible 'Wildlife Park Walk' through the sanctuary with native animal enclosures; petting zoo for domestic animals; Indigenous cultural centre and a 2.8 hectare eucalyptus plantation.
Those visiting the huge park have the option of staying at 14 powered caravan sites, five eco-tourism tents, or 10 unpowered sites.
"The eco-tents will have a relatively minor footprint and will not adversely affect the agricultural productivity of adjoining land," SJB Planning wrote.
"The caravan spaces and camping ground will provide a temporary space for people attending the koala sanctuary, noting that only those people who have pre-purchased a ticket to the koala sanctuary will be permitted to use the camping ground and/or caravan spaces."
The proposal has the potential to become a landmark facility for Gunnedah and also NSW.
- SJB Planning
Other fun activities for the young and young-at-heart include a mini-golf course and a zipline.
SJB Planning wrote that it was "reasonably anticipated that the koala sanctuary will become an important wildlife sanctuary and the information and educational aspect of the sanctuary is expected to attract visitors from all over Australia".
"The proposal has the potential to become a landmark facility for Gunnedah and also NSW," the DA reads.
"Additionally, the proposal will result in positive economic impacts through the employment of short and medium term workers for construction phases of the development, as well as long term employment opportunities as part of the ongoing operation of the significant new facility.
"The provision of a koala sanctuary and associated facilities are beneficial to the wider community and it is considered this development is in the public interest."
Locals can view the entire DA via the council's website, and can submit their thoughts by mailing General Manager, Gunnedah Shire Council, PO Box 63, GUNNEDAH NSW 2380, or they can email council@infogunnedah.com.au
They must do so by 5pm on April 1.
The council received $6.48 million in state government funds for the project in June 2018 through the Regional Communities Development Fund.
The park will be run by the CaPTA Group, and will be located next to Balcary Park on the Oxley Highway.
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