The Northern Tablelands is vital for koala conservation. Koalas in this region thrive because they:
- are largely unaffected by coastal development pressures
- have low disease prevalence
- have strong genetic diversity
- live in a cooler high-altitude climate, which makes the area an important climate refuge.
Koalas of the Northern Tablelands, particularly Armidale, are one of 19 populations across New South Wales that are identified as a priority for investment under the NSW Koala Strategy.
How does the regional partnership support koala conservation?
We are supporting a regional koala partnership with Southern New England Landcare in Armidale with $650,000, through funding under the NSW Koala Strategy.
This funding supports a dedicated koala conservation officer, based at Southern New England Landcare, who coordinates local projects to help conserve koalas and their habitat.
Other agencies and partnership organisations involved include landholders and wildlife carers from across the region, local and regional plant nurseries, the University of New England, local community groups and conservation groups.
What work is being undertaken?
Koala conservation work being conducted across the region through the regional partnership includes:
- restoring koala habitat on private and public land
- through restoration activities and land management agreements
- partnering with Koala Conservation Australia to support koala carers and train vets and vet nurses
- working with the University of Sydney and University of New England to study genetic diversity
- supporting Traditional Owners
- supporting the local koala carer community
- engaging the community with events such as the Black Gully Festival, eucalyptus identification workshops, talks and tree planting.