The Guulabaa (Gathang for Place of Koala) Tourism Precinct is one step closer to opening with constrution of the sealed road, timber bridge, car parking and perimeter fencing completed thanks to the NSW Government.

Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams said $2.1 million from the NSW Government’s Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund and a financial contribution from the Forestry Corporation of New South Wales will boost tourism in the local region.

Mrs Williams said the project is delivering the infrastructure needed to create the nature-based tourism precinct, including sealed road access, water and electricity connections, car parking and perimeter fencing.

“This tourism development will become a unique visitor attraction for the region and demonstrates what partnerships can achieve,” Mrs Williams said.

The precinct will become an important facility for the rehabilitation and breeding of wild Koalas and will showcase local Biripi culture supporting Bunyah Local Aboriginal Land Council run businesses. Wildnets Adventure will be developing a ‘net park’ tree canopy experience and the precinct will also host the ‘Big Koala’ being commissioned by Hello Koalas. Overlaying the site will be the promotion of sustainability including the importance of sustainable forest management and timber grown and produced in the local region.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Paul Toole said the works will allow more people to enjoy what nature has to offer while encouraging more overnight stays and return visits, which supports local jobs and businesses that rely on tourism.

“The precinct will become a nature-based rest stop for travellers on the Legendary Pacific Coast Drive and help showcase the world leading forest management techniques being used in the Cowarra State Forest,” Mr Toole said.

Mrs Williams said, “In terms of wildlife recovery, the development of the Koala care and wild Koala breeding facilities by the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital will support the Koala populations in our region.

“This is exactly the kind of project the Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund is designed to deliver and I look forward to seeing the official opening of this tourism precinct in the coming year,” Mrs Williams said.

The $300 million Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to delivering infrastructure projects that improve the productivity and competitiveness of the state.

For more information about the Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism fund, which is part of the $1.7 billion Regional Growth Fund, go to www.nsw.gov.au/rgetf