Important research to improve koala health is underway at the Port Stephens Koala Hospital. It is supported by a $3 million Australian Government investment.
The 3-year project focuses on 2 major diseases affecting koalas:
- chlamydia
- koala retrovirus.
The research aims to support how these diseases are found, treated and monitored.
Over 3 years, koalas from across NSW will be cared for, studied and treated. An existing CT scanner will be used to give vets fast, detailed images of koalas' bodies. This improves how disease is detected and treated. It also reduces stress on the animals.
This project brings together expert clinicians and researchers from universities and koala hospitals in NSW and Queensland.
The funding will:
- help employ specialist veterinary staff
- support the day‑to‑day operation of the hospital
- maintain essential equipment, medicines and supplies.
This will allow the hospital to continue caring for koalas and carrying out research until March 2028. Research findings will be shared across Australia. This will support broader efforts to protect and recover koala populations.
This work is funded through the Australian Government's Local Environmental Projects Program. The program supports community projects that protect and improve the environment.
