intouch Magazine
- Feb 22

$2 million Boost for Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

KoAlas in the mid north coast region of NSW will have a more secure future, with $2 million in NSW Government funding to increase wildlife veterinary capacity for

Port Stephens Koala Hospital.

The $2 million funding boost has been secured by the local member for Port Stephens, Minister Kate Washington.

The funding will enable Port Stephens Koala Hospital to hire specialised staff to increase the capacity of vets, nurses, surgery and feeding at the facility.

This will allow Port Stephens Koala Hospital to care for rescued or ill, injured and orphaned wildlife requiring treatment and rehabilitation for subsequent release.

This new funding builds on the NSW Government’s previous $120,000 commitment to help Port Stephens Council restore 60 hectares of koala habitat.

The NSW Government is committed to ensuring the long-term survival of koalas in the wild, and each partnership with councils, land managers, community organisations and wildlife groups is an important step toward achieving that goal.

Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Penny Sharpe:

“This funding is a testament to the strong advocacy of Minister Kate Washington, who has been a long-time champion of protecting koalas not only in Port Stephens but across the state," said Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Penny Sharpe.

“We are committed to ensuring koalas have a bright future in NSW, and this involves supporting a range of conservation actions, including improving habitat, reducing vehicle strikes and wildlife care.

“The NSW Government is taking steps to prevent koalas ending up in veterinary care, and this funding helps ensure native wildlife have the best possible outcome when treated and returned to the wild.”

“Koalas are a much-loved member of our community, and an iconic part of our region," said Member for Port Stephens, Kate Washington.

“This funding is a welcome announcement for our community which cares deeply for koalas and will greatly assist the amazing army of volunteers at Port Stephens Koala Hospital.

“Together, we can help secure the future of koalas and other wildlife in our beautiful part of the world.”

President of the Port Stephens Koala Hospital, Ron Land.

“NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe and Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington are two of the greatest protectors of koalas in NSW," said the President of the Port Stephens Koala Hospital, Ron Land.

“This funding package is 100% devoted to preserving an iconic Australian endangered species in Port Stephens, and without it, we could not continue to save the lives of ill, injured, and orphaned koalas at our hospital.”