The NSW Koala Strategy

Koalas in New South Wales face a range of threats, including habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation, climate change, disease, declining genetic diversity, vehicle strike, bushfire, and dog attack. The 2020 Legislative Council inquiry into NSW koala populations and habitat concluded that, without action, koalas in New South Wales could be extinct by 2050.

The NSW Government is examining the way it is delivering the NSW Koala Strategy.

To find out more about the review of the NSW Koala Strategy go to the: Reviewing the NSW Koala Strategy webpage

Delivering targeted action and investment

Through the NSW Koala Strategy, the NSW Government is delivering on-ground actions to protect koalas, including:

• acquiring koala habitat for addition to the national park estate
• the restoration and improved management of koala habitat
• supporting local communities and developing strategic partnerships to conserve koalas
• improving the safety and health of koalas by removing threats, improving health and rehabilitation, and establishing a translocation program
• supporting science and research to build our knowledge of koalas.

The NSW Koala Strategy delivers targeted investment and action under 4 pillars. These actions work together to secure habitat, support local conservation, reduce threats and improve our knowledge. Investment and key targets under each pillar are listed below.

Key targets

• 22,000 ha of koala habitat protected
• 25,000 ha of koala habitat restored
• One area of Outstanding Biodiversity Value and 20 Assets of Intergenerational Significance for koalas secured

 

Key targets

• Up to 8 regional partnerships with local councils and conservation groups
• 10 koala stronghold areas better secured
• At least 10 councils supported to develop koala habitat maps

 

Key targets

• At least 10 vehicle strike hotspots addressed
• Up to 8 translocation projects implemented
• More than 500 vets and vet nurses to receive wildlife care training

 

Key targets

• Baseline surveys in up to 50 populations
• Ongoing monitoring at a minimum of 20 sites
• Koala genetic diversity mapping
• Priority research continued