Joint media release: Improving koala care at Port Stephens Koala Hospital

Minister for the Environment and Water, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP

Member for Paterson, the Hon Meryl Swanson MP

The Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek and Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson MP have today officially opened the new wing of the Port Stephens Koala Hospital.

The project was funded by the Albanese Government as part of a $3 million grant under the Saving Koalas Fund. 

The upgraded hospital includes an advanced clinical precinct with new triage and consulting space, X-ray and CT scanning facilities, a new surgery room and additional laboratory facilities. 

The upgraded hospital will increase the diagnostic capabilities of the hospital and provide better acute care for sick and injured koalas and help to make treatment as targeted and effective as possible.  

The project is also supporting veterinary staff treat and care for koalas, koala health research, training for community volunteers, and the planting of eucalypt trees to provide the necessary food for koalas in care. 

In addition to koalas, the hospital also treats other native animals such as wallabies and wombats. 

Sadly, koalas are currently listed as endangered in Queensland, NSW and the ACT.

That’s why we’re delivering the $76 million Saving Koalas Fund to support the recovery and long-term conservation of koalas and their habitat. 

Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Environment and Water, the Hon Tanya Plibersek: 

“The Port Stephens Koala Hospital is doing amazing work looking after sick and injured koalas and other wildlife. It was great to be here two years ago to open the hospital, and fantastic to return and open the new wing today. These upgrades provide staff with the best possible equipment to protect and conserve this beloved Australian icon.

“I want our kids and grandkids to be able to see koalas in the wild. That’s why the Albanese Government is investing in health projects like this one here in Port Stephens. 

“Through our Saving Koalas Fund, we are investing in projects that will help koalas not only survive— but thrive."

Quotes attributable to the Member for Paterson, Meryl Swanson: 

“I am proud to have delivered $3 million of funding towards the Port Stephens Koala Hospital extension. This funding directly contributes to the facilities, capabilities, and quality of care for our local koala population. sick or injured koalas can continue to be treated with emergency care and effective ongoing support.

“The koala remains an iconic symbol of our nation. That’s why the Albanese Government is committed to the recovery and long-term conservation of the koala and its habitats for generations to come.”