The second meeting of the NSW Koala Strategy inter-agency committee was held on 7 February 2019. The committee approved their Terms of Reference.
Key topics discussed
Implementation update: The committee was updated on the status of each action under the NSW Koala Strategy and discussed opportunities for collaboration.
Annual report: The committee discussed initial planning for the first annual report on the implementation of the NSW Koala Strategy to the Minister for the Environment, including reviewing a draft template for the report.
Updates were provided on the following specific actions:
- Local action community workshops: The committee noted 13 workshops have been held across New South Wales to identify local priorities for koala conservation action to be delivered in partnership with local communities. The committee provided advice on initial draft priority actions that could be funded this financial year.
- Research on koala responses to native forest regeneration harvesting: The Natural Resources Commission (NRC) briefed the committee on their independent research project being delivered under the NSW Koala Strategy. The project will deliver research to improve understanding of how koalas are responding to regeneration harvesting on the North Coast of New South Wales. The NRC provided an overview of the research projects that have been selected for funding.
- Training vets in native wildlife care: Taronga Conservation Society Australia provided an overview of the project they are progressing to develop and deliver professional development training for veterinarians and veterinary nurses in native wildlife care. This project is being progressed under the NSW Koala Strategy. An outline of the proposed structure of the training was discussed, as well as the approach for developing and delivering the training. The committee noted the training will include a specific module on the care of sick and injured koalas.
The next meeting of the NSW Koala Strategy inter-agency committee is scheduled for May 2019.