A long awaited new world-class wildlife hospital for the Northern Rivers has finally been given the start to life in Wollongbar.

Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital (NRWH) chair Ninian Gemmell said the journey that started over a decade ago with a group of dedicated local wildlife carers and veterinary nurses is about to become a reality. 

“After much investigative work, a two hectare site containing a building has been selected for the Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital at Wollongbar Primary Industries Institute,” Mr Gemmell said.

“The Wollongbar site is ideally located in the middle of our identified case-load catchment region, with good access.”

“A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with the landowner and discussions are well under way with the planners in order to lodge a development application (DA) and prepare the site for a wildlife hospital.”

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Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital (NRWH) committee members gather on-site at Lindendale Road last September.

Mr Gemmell said the board hoped to lodge the DA early in 2021. 

“The application will address use of the land for the wildlife hospital, secure access, water, waste management as well as finalise the wildlife hospital design,” Mr Gemmell said.

"The NRWH Board is currently being guided by Ballina Council and an expert independent planner and the goal as outlined in the business plan, is to build a world class ‘bricks and mortar’ facility that will accommodate expert veterinary services for wildlife, research and educational programs for the community. 

“We are focussed on the long term as well as the immediate needs of our wildlife, carers and the broader community. The project will be strategically focussed and will work with and compliment the expertise of the existing carer network.

“We are grateful for the support we have received from our veterinary advisors, our stakeholders and in particular the management and staff at the Department of Primary Industries."

Funding developments

Mr Gemmell said the development funding was secured early in 2020, but a well known environmental organisation has now signed up to a ‘collaboration agreement’ and will provide short to medium term funds to renovate the building on the site and partly equip the hospital ready for operations. 

"There is a lot of work to do under this agreement, and we will be launching an appeal soon to cover an aviary and other necessary equipment prior to the hospital opening,” Mr Gemmell said.

He said while the project has secured some funding, donations are always welcome. 

Donations to NRWH in excess of $2 are tax deductible, and may be made directly by contacting Elly on [email protected] 

Member and community base

As a registered charity and not-for-profit community focussed organisation, NRWH welcomes individuals and organisations into the membership base. 

“It is only through the diversity of our membership, that we ensure we meet community need,” Mr Gemmell said. 

“Since day one, we have maintained that this is the correct governance structure to meet the community need and expectation. We are ultimately accountable to our members."

To keep up to date with developments, you can also follow the NRWH Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/northernriverswildlifehospital