MASSIVE marsupials are taking over the streets and shopping centres of the Gold and Tweed Coast and it's all for a good cause.

You may have already come across one of the 21 colourful, quirky and larger than life koalas.

Aside from admiring the unique artwork, you may wonder what it's all about.

According to Currumbin wildlife foundation coordinator Emma Moore the sculptures were being used to educate people on the plight of the koala.

"There has been a dramatic increase in koala admissions to our hospital and there is a great need to raise awareness and funds," she said.

In 2011 the Currumbin Wildlife hospital had 171 injured and sick koalas come through and in 2012 that statistic grew to 300 admissions.

Currumbin wildlife hospital manager Patricia Swift said it was heartbreaking to see so many koalas being bought in after being hit by cars, attacked by dogs or having contracted Chlamydia from stress related incidents.

"This year alone we have had 47 koalas brought in to the hospital, so it's looking like another horror year," she said.

"It's a long and costly process treating koalas from the initial operation, to the ongoing maintenance and care that follows."

Ms Swift said there are things the public can do to help.

"If you see an injured animal on the road call for assistance and if you can, keep your dogs in at night because they can cause serious harm to koalas," she said.

The koala sculptures have been created by academy award winning sculptor John Cox known for his work in the movie Babe and have been painted by highly talented artists from all over Australia.

All koalas have been sponsored by local business and the Gold Coast City Council.

Each sculpture will be auctioned off at a ticketed gala dinner in April with all proceeds going to the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital.

For more information contact Emma Moore on 55340882 or email emoore@cws.org.au