SANCTUARY SEARCHES FOR NEW HOME
JIRRAHLINGA RELOCATING
THE search is on for a new home for all the animals of Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary.
The land on which the sanctuary is located, at 170-200 Taits Rd, Barwon Heads, is for sale and the business is on the lookout for another site that is more accessible.
Founder Tehree Gordon said this had been in the works for five years as the residential township of Barwon Heads continued to grow.
“We started in 1975 and in those days there were no houses between Barwon Heads Rd and Jirrahlinga — now there’s lots,” Ms Gordon said.
It has become increasingly difficult for people to access the Barwon Heads site, especially buses of visitors, and in order to have a future the sanctuary will be relocated to a more accessible site.
“We also want to respect our new neighbours,” she said.
Ms Gordon said moving something like Jirrahlinga was a huge job and something they had been dealing with in consultation with all the relevant bodies.
She said a relocation would allow the sanctuary to upgrade all its facilities, including training educational facilities for its many international visitors.
After more than 40 years they are now looking for a new site to call home and create a new haven for injured wildlife.
Ms Gordon said she had been looking at three sites that were in good tourist areas.
Her personal assistant, Kellie Grant, said they were hoping to stay coastal and be in a busy area with more tourists around.
“All the animals are coming with us and they are going to get an upgrade,” Ms Grant said.
Ms Gordon said she wants to reassure the public that it is business as usual at Jirrahlinga until the land sells.
“We started in 1975 and in those days there were no houses between Barwon Heads Rd and Jirrahlinga — now there’s lots.” JIRRAHLINGA FOUNDER TEHREE GORDON