Protecting south-west Sydney koala population

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is taking action to support the koalas of south-western Sydney from the threat of chlamydia after two rescued koalas tested positive for the disease.  

The koalas were rescued in Appin last year with injuries suggesting they had been hit by a car. Once in care, further testing revealed chlamydia was present in both koalas. One koala was treated, while the other had to be euthanised. 

As a result, immediate actions were taken including:  

• working with local rehabilitators and vets to improve biosecurity; 
• organising a survey and testing of wild koalas in the vicinity of where the chlamydia positive koalas were found.  

Subsequent testing has found no further evidence of disease in this south-western Sydney koala population.  

DCCEEW will continue to monitor and expand testing in the coming months, using drones east of Appin to locate koalas and collect their scats for chlamydia testing. Routine testing will also continue for every koala that comes into care.  

To ensure the ongoing health of koalas in the region and prevent the spread of the disease, the University of Sydney has been commissioned to develop a Chlamydia Management Strategy, due to be completed later this year. 

A workshop in April will bring together stakeholders involved in koala conservation in south-west Sydney to seek their input to help develop the strategy. 

The NSW Government has invested around $88 million in south-western Sydney koalas. This includes almost $27 million to create koala-friendly crossings, $4.5 million to establish a koala care centre and more than $48 million to help establish a new national park along the Georges River. 

The development of the Chlamydia Management Strategy is funded under the NSW Koala Strategy. 

Quotes attributable to Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Director Threatened Species and Ecosystems, Alison Schumacher:

“Chlamydia is present in many koala populations, affecting them in different ways. Understanding and addressing these impacts is critical to ensure ongoing conservation efforts.  

“We responded to this incursion quickly and will continue to improve our understanding of the most effective interventions.   

“We are working closely with our partners to manage this disease and protect this much-loved species.”