The Port Macquarie and Kempsey region contains 4 of the 19 populations prioritised for support under the NSW Koala Strategy. It supports one of the largest and most stable populations in New South Wales, reflecting the region’s extensive and diverse eucalyptus forests, which provide abundant food and shelter.
How does the regional partnership support koala conservation?
We are supporting a regional conservation partnership with Koala Conservation Australia, with $600,000 under the NSW Koala Strategy.
Koala Conservation Australia manages the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital. The partnership supports a dedicated Koala Officer, based at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, who works closely with the local community to coordinate conservation actions that support koalas.
Other key organisations involved include the Port Macquarie Hastings and Kempsey Shire councils, Local Land Services, Macleay Landcare, Hastings Landcare, Biodiversity Conservation Trust and local Traditional Owners.
What work is being undertaken?
Koala Conservation Australia, together with Port Macquarie Hastings and Kempsey Shire councils, has a strong track record of engaging the local community to support koalas. These partners were key to the successful delivery of actions under the 2018–2021 NSW Koala Strategy.
Building on previous successes, this partnership recognises the vital role local and cultural knowledge plays in koala conservation across the region. Key focus areas include:
- restoring habitat
- preventing vehicle strike
- consulting with and supporting local Aboriginal communities
- engaging and educating the community
- mapping koala habitat.
Additional funding is also supporting:
- Koala Conservation Australia to restore and improve 250 hectares of habitat in the Port Macquarie and Kempsey region
- work with Port Macquarie Hastings and Kempsey Shire councils to reduce vehicle strikes
- the creation of koala habitat maps with Kempsey Shire Council.
This brings the total investment in the Port Macquarie and Kempsey region to $1.55 million under the NSW Koala Strategy.