Find out more about the South Coast's Koalas and other threatened species

Media release: 29 August 2016

The rare sighting of a koala in the Murrah Flora Reserves near Bermagui last week has excited and strengthened local commitment to protecting the region's threatened species.

This Threatened Species Day, 7 September 2016, the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) is partnering with local community organisations to host events that will inspire people to become more involved in local projects.

OEH's Community Engagement Officer Debbie Hunt says the events will also highlight the success of local efforts in protecting wildlife.

"We are hosting a range of activities along the Far South Coast to mark Threatened Species Day, including presentations and displays on the South Coast Koala Conservation Project.

"We're also offering opportunities to find out more about some of the South Coast's most critically endangered animals such as the long-footed potoroo, smoky mouse, regent honeyeater and hooded plover.

"Everyone is invited to come along and learn more about these animals. There are specific events for landowners and lots of fun educational events for children," said Ms Hunt.

Threatened Species Day events on the South Coast include:

What: Varied daily activities including walks with dingoes, a tour of the koala breeding centre, a 10th birthday BBQ picnic, face painting and the opening of Lyrebird Pathway
Where: Potoroo Palace, Merimbula
When: Monday 5 September - Sunday 11 September
Contact: info@potoroopalace.com for bookings

What: Guided tour and practical habitat restoration session
Where: Panboola Wetlands, Pambula
When: Tuesday 6 September, 10am - 12pm
Contact: panboola@gmail.com or call 0400 341 282

What: Windbreak Design Workshop: seed ball making and tree planting session for landholders to show benefits of windbreaks for erosion, wind and fire protection and wildlife habitat.
Where: The Crossing Land Education Centre, Bermagui
When: Friday 9 September, 10am - 4pm. Limited places (lunch provided)
Contact: Dean Turner (02) 6493 3400

What: Guided tour highlighting threatened species and habitat protection
When: Saturday 10 September, 11am
Where: Tura Beach Reserve, Merimbula
Contact: debbie.hunt@environment.nsw.gov.au or call 0421 172 667

What: South Coast Koala Conservation Project: presentation and display
When: Saturday 10 September, 12pm
Where: On The Perch, Kalaru
Contact: debbie.hunt@environment.nsw.gov.au or call 0421 172 667

What: Varied daily activities including information sessions on the Bush Stone Curlew and the Diamond Firetail Finch
When: Saturday 3 September - Sunday 11 September (CLOSED: 7 September)
Where: On The Perch, Kalaru
Contact: steve@ontheperch.com.au or call (02) 6494 1169

What: Shorebirds Art Exhibition
When: Monday 5 September - Sunday 11 September
Where: Tura Beach Library, Merimbula
Contact: amy.harris@environment.nsw.gov.au or call 02 4476 0834.

There are more than 100 species, ecological communities and populations listed as threatened across the South Coast and Southern Ranges region.

National Threatened Species Day is held on 7 September each year, commemorating the death of the last remaining Tasmanian tiger at Hobart Zoo in 1936.

Contact: Sarah Scroope