May 17 to 19 will mark the National Koala Conference which will focus on all aspects of wildlife rehabilitation,

research findings, translocation and conservation of wild koalas.

It is expected a conference of this type, which has a multiplier effect, would result in an injection of about $93,000 to the economy.

Port Macquarie Koala Hospital supervisor Cheyne Flanagan said the $5000 council sponsorship would help a great deal with the conference costs.

“We are all very chuffed to think the council is keen to support us,” she said.

“It shows the interest in koalas in this town.”

Ms Flanagan asked the council to come on board with conference sponsorship after the global financial crisis caused another sponsor to pull out.

The council did just that to the tune of $5000 on top of its earlier commitment of assistance in kind.

Cr Rob Turner said the importance of the Koala Hospital to not only koalas but Port Macquarie was definitely without doubt.

“We are always looking for ways to leverage benefits for our area,” he said.

“Rather than spend time and energy looking for a shiny new object, this time we are better looking at the one right in front our our noses.”

Deputy mayor Trevor Sargeant said we often talked about the need to be unique and distinctive.

He said building on one of our outstanding features was a realatively easy way to do that.

The conference delegates will hear a range of experts including three speakers from the University of Sydney, Dr Geoff Pye from San Diego Zoo and a speaker from the Australian Museum.

The conference dinner features award winning wildlife cinematographer Dr Jim Frazier as guest speaker.

Singer John Williamson will perform at the conference dinner as will Amanda Gordon and Ian Castle.