The NSW Government has released its new $193.3 million Koala Strategy, which is the biggest financial commitment by any government to secure koalas in the wild.
Environment Minister James Griffin said the five-year plan is a comprehensive roadmap that will help deliver the NSW Government’s ambition to double the number of koalas in NSW.
“This is the largest investment in any single species in Australia, and it demonstrates how committed this Government is to protecting koalas,” Mr Griffin said.
“We know there are multiple threats to koalas, including loss and fragmentation of their habitat, compounded by the impact of the devastating 2019–20 bushfires, as well as vehicle strike and dog attack.
“This Strategy will help ensure koalas can survive and thrive into the future in NSW.”
The Strategy will better secure 10 climate resilient koala stronghold locations from the Southern Tablelands, to Campbelltown and Lismore, which will receive intensive action in the next five years to support the existing populations there.
The Strategy focuses on conservation actions under four themes:
- $107.1 million for koala habitat conservation, to fund the protection, restoration and improved management of 47,000 hectares of koala habitat
- $19.6 million to supporting local communities to conserve koalas
- $23.2 million for improving the safety and health of koalas by removing threats, improving health and rehabilitation, and establishing a translocation program
- $43.4 million to support science and research to build our knowledge of koalas.
Some of the more than 30 actions in the strategy include preventing vehicle strikes and dog attacks, and restoring and protecting thousands of hectares of habitat.
Member for Castle Hill Ray Williams MP said a key part of the Koala Strategy involves establishing partnerships with conservation groups and communities.
“We all want to see koalas thrive in the wild for generations to come, and everyone, including land managers, local councils, wildlife carers, citizen scientists and the NSW Government needs to be involved,” Mr Williams said.
To read the Koala Strategy, visit: environment.nsw.gov.au/koalas
