The koala is officially an endangered species in New South Wales. Just like us, koalas are under threat from climate damage, fuelled by digging up and burning coal and gas. Climate pollution is warming our world and harming our habitats – increasing the frequency and severity of bushfires, fuelling drought and extreme weather events, and altering weather patterns. To protect nature — and our future — we need to protect our climate.
With the mass clearing of wildlife corridors and core koala habitat, koala colonies will be isolated and this prevents migration and population growth.
The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act) is the central piece of Australia’s environmental protection framework. It’s meant to protect the air we breathe, the water we drink and the places and wildlife we love. If an important ecosystem or species is vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered, the law is meant to guide its recovery and protect it from threats like mining, logging and urban sprawl. Our Governments must introduce strong national environmental laws and an independent regulator to enforce them. With rezoning and plans for tens of thousands of new homes in Sydney's South West, smack bang in the middle of traditional koala habitat, the outlook for NSW’s last healthy koala population is not good.
On September 16th, we will be previewing the proposed Gilead Development situated between the narrowest link area between the Georges and Nepean Rivers. With stage 2 of development pending the approval of the NSW State Government, it is important that we bring the attention of our communities and politicians to this site in order to observe and conserve the local koala population and the natural beauty of the region.
So join us as we are guided by local koala experts, Pat and Barry Durham, who have been tracking koala's in the area for over thirty years, as we wander through the proposed development area, spotting the local koala population.
There is nothing like seeing a koala in the wild! We look forward to sharing the fun and excitement with you.
NB: Please bring clothing and footwear suitable for a bushwalk. If you have any inquiries please email Drew ([email protected])