The world’s first wild koala breeding facility was recognised at the Urban Land Institute (ULI) 2025 Asia Pacific Awards for Excellence in Hong Kong yesterday. Announced at the ULI Asia Pacific Summit, Guulabaa—or Place of Koala in the Gathang language of the Biripi people—was one of 12 exemplar projects, recognised for its commitment to conservation-led design, Indigenous collaboration, and resilient land stewardship.
“Guulabaa challenged us to rethink what regenerative architecture should be. It is not about making a bold statement, but about designing with care, deep listening, and respect for Country,” said Ken McBryde, Design Director at Gensler Australia. “This project shows what is possible when we listen to our client, stakeholders, project partners, and First Nations knowledge holders, and design with long-term impact in mind. We are honoured that ULI has recognised that vision.”
Operated by Koala Conservation Australia (KCA), the facility, which opened in late 2024, operates deep within a working forest near the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital and was developed in partnership with the Taronga Conservation Society, using donations after the 2019/20 Black Summer Fires:
“We aim to breed wild koalas from carefully selected and screened healthy “founder” animals in natural breeding yards with top-level biosecurity, clinical, and research facilities.”
Koala Conservation Australia (KCA) on the importance of wild koala breeding.
In December, Tara Moriarty, NSW Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional New South Wales, Minister for Western New South Wales, and Uncle Bill of Birpai LALC, opened the new Koala Visitor Experience Centre. This is the final piece in the eco-tourism puzzle that includes the WildNets Adventure Park, the Bunyah Aboriginal Land Council cafe and gallery, and the Big Koala, which is a highlight of the award-winning Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail.
Located deep inside the NSW State Forest, managed by Forestry Corporation of NSW, Leslie Williams, the local NSW member for Port Macquarie earlier this year said: “Guulabaa… will be a wonderful visitor attraction for the Mid North Coast region that will deliver significant outcomes in terms of koala conservation, sustainable forest management, tourism, the arts, the sharing of Biripi culture, and new timber product development.”
Launched in late 2020, Guulabaa broke ground in early 2023 with the support of funds from the Australian and NSW Governments. Contributions also came from local hardwood timber businesses, including Ironwood, Coffs Harbour Hardwoods, Hurford Hardwood, Pentarch Forestry, Machins Sawmilling, Hayden Timbers, Weathertex, and Big River Group.
This afternoon, Wood Central spoke to Maree McCaskill, the CEO of Timber NSW, which represents the local hardwood supply chain, who welcomed the global recognition for Guulabaa, noting that it is located inside a working forest: “Besides being a world-first tourism experience, the new ‘Hub’ also has a multi-purpose learning space, an outdoor picnic area, and, importantly, will connect tourists with the most beautiful NSW North Coast hardwood timbers.”
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