The first shot in the Koala election policy contest by the ALP is a welcome and major step. Jeff Angel, Total Environment Centre's Executive Director says, "We next look forward to hearing what the government will say because under current development policy and legal settings, Koalas are heading for extinction.  Along with the Great Koala National Park in the north of the state, we also need a Sydney Koala Greenbelt."

 Photo of a female Koala and Joey taken by a Sydney Basin Koala Network Citizen Scientist in the Sydney Basin

Koalas have declined in the Sydney Basin Bioregion by 22% in the last 20 years. Notably, habitat closer to urban areas, where cumulative impacts are mounting, has become critical to recovery.

Recent Yougov polling found 91% of NSW residents support the creation of a koala green belt across Sydney. 84% want koala habitat protected from development. Our urban and regional areas must marshal all available legal, financial and scientific resources to protect their habitat and linking corridors on public and private lands, so Koalas can survive.

The Sydney Basin Bioregion (map source:NSW Government)

"Like with the climate war, the state Coalition has to move beyond the Koala war,’’ Jeff emphasises.

Total Environment Centre will be releasing a detailed Sydney Basin Koala Policy in the very near future. 

Click here to donate to this campaign and the development of this policy. Every donation $2 and over is tax-deductible.

Update: We have calculated that we need to raise $45,000 to campaign this issue effectively. We launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise the money. Now is the time to step up for Koalas, but we can only do this with your support! Join the cause today.