$10 million Port Macquarie Koala Hospital redevelopment given to local construction firm with sustainability as top priority
A W Edwards has committed to a range of environmentally-friendly initiatives throughout the project.
Ellie Chamberlain
July 03, 2025
The redevelopment of the $10 million Port Macquarie Koala Hospital will be undertaken by a local construction firm with sustainability as a top priority.
A W Edwards construction firm was recently awarded the contract, and while based in Sydney, the firm has had a regional office in Port Macquarie for 25 years and has worked on a number of projects across the Mid North Coast – including the recent MidCoast Council head office and current works on the Manning Base Hospital, Coffs Harbour Education Campus and Hastings Secondary College PCYC multi-sport centre.
Its newest project in Port Macquarie will transform the koala hospital into a wildlife rehabilitation, research and education centre with a mission to conserve koalas and their habitats for future generations.
The not-for-profit charity Koala Conservation Australia (KCA) manages the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital.
KCA also operates the world’s first wild koala breeding program and visitor centre at Guulabaa – Place of Koala, in Cowarra State Forest, as well as two plantations on the Mid North Coast with more than 14,000 koala food trees.
Commitment to conservation
Paul White, Acting General Manager of Koala Conservation Australia said A W Edwards was chosen for its experience and attention to environmental sensitivity.
“We’re thrilled to partner with a contractor that not only shares our values but is actively contributing to the conservation cause every step of the way,” White said in a statement.
“Their approach not only meets the practical demands of the redevelopment but also goes above and beyond in supporting conservation and community.”
A W Edwards has committed to a range of sustainability initiatives throughout the project, including:
Conservation-first construction methods, such as salvaging and repurposing timber and metals from the site, and reducing earthworks to protect tree root systems.
Active volunteer involvement, with staff taking part in bush regeneration and community clean-ups in collaboration with KCA.
Recycling programs, including a return-and-earn bottle scheme, with funds donated to KCA.
Participation in environmental workshops such as “Planting Seeds” and “Climate Fresh”, promoting climate awareness and sustainability practices among workers and the broader community.
White said the redevelopment will provide the infrastructure to care for more koalas, educate more people, and continue important research.
Artist impression.
Progress and cost of the project
Preparatory work is already underway, with the Koala Hospital Port Macquarie temporarilyrelocated to the wild koala breeding centre in Cowarra State Forest.
The project is expected to cost around $10 million, using $5 million from NSW Government’s Restart NSW Program and more than $5 million funded by Koala Conservation Australia.
To learn more about the redevelopment and follow the progress of the project, visit: koalaconservationaustralia.org.au/pages/koala-hospital-redevelopment
Thumbnail: Port Macquarie Koala Hospital. Images supplied Koala Conservation Australia