Fresh push to sell Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary
A new campaign to sell the home of Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary has already sparked potential international interest.
The 2.023ha property at Barwon Heads has returned to the market with an expressions of interest campaign closing on May 18.
RT Edgar, Point Lonsdale agent Felix Hakins has set price hopes at $2 million to $2.2 million for the rare acreage property that presents redevelopment potential in the future.
Jirrahlinga owner Tehree Gordon is looking to relocate the sanctuary, which opened in 1975, to a bigger site, probably along the Great Ocean Road.
The property at 170-200 Taits Rd is on the edge of the town boundary, minutes from Barwon Heads Golf Club, the Barwon River and surf beaches and 20 minutes from Geelong.
The land that’s home to the Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary is on the market 170-200 Taits Rd, Barwon Heads.
It has an existing three-bedroom house, secure fencing and extensive water infrastructure ideal for continued livestock use.
“It’s a prospect for somebody to acquire it and maybe build a luxury family dwelling there and have a large space around them but then could open itself up to further development down the track, subject to council approval,” Hakins says.
He says buyers are keen on the dual use.
“We’ve already had a couple of inquiries over the weekend as well, which has been good,” Hakins says.
“I’ve actually had overseas interest over the weekend, so that’s a good start to the campaign.
Sanctuary owners plan to relocate along the Great Ocean Road once the property sells.
“It’s very rare, we’re expecting some good offers to come forth for the lovely vendors there who are motivated to sell it.”
Here’s how to help Barwon Heads wildlife sanctuary amid COVID-19 closure
Gordon says the sanctuary continues to rescue injured animals despite not being open to the public due to the COVID-19 restrictions.
“We are trying to be positive and look to the future. Our ultimate game is to expand Jirrahlinga,” she says.
“Some of the volunteers are spending more time with the animals, getting that one-on-one with the dingo puppies to keep them positive and on top of that we’re talking about the future, moving forward.
Tehree Gordon has operated Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary at Barwon Heads since 1975. Picture Rebecca Michael
“When it was first out there, we had 14 offers of property and land down the Great Ocean Road way, so they often still keep in contact and say don’t forget us.
“There is future offers there that would work very well, but first off we have to sell.”
Hakins says a flexible settlement will allow the sanctuary to relocate animals and structures to a new home.
This article from the Geelong Advertiser originally appeared as “Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary: New campaign sparks renewed interest in Barwon Heads property”.
