Local communities invited to have their say on saving koalas

LISMORE MP Janelle Saffin is encouraging local communities in the Northern Rivers and Northern Tablelands to share their views on the best ways to help our endangered koalas with the release of a new NSW Government discussion paper.

Ms Saffin says the Reviewing the NSW Koala Strategy discussion paper seeks community input on current koala conservation actions being undertaken under the NSW Koala Strategy.

It invites feedback on initiatives including koala habitat protection, supporting local communities, improving the safety and health of koalas, koala monitoring and research and responses to the impact of climate change.

The discussion paper is being released in the lead up to the Koala Summit at Taronga Zoo on 22 March 2024, which will bring together key stakeholders to review how actions, targets and delivery approaches are working to save koalas around the state.

The NSW Government is committed to protecting and ensuring the long-term survival of koalas in the wild and the discussion paper will supplement advice from the Koala Summit on future conservation priorities.

Consultation on the online discussion paper will close on 26 April 2024. Have your say here.

Janelle Saffin, Penny Sharpe speaking at FOK, February 2024

Quote attributable to Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Penny Sharpe:

“The NSW Government is committed to saving koalas in the wild.

“This discussion paper and the Koala Summit will inform the review of the current Koala Strategy.

“In the lead up to the Koala Summit, we are launching this paper to seek innovative ideas and feedback. Everyone who cares about the future of our precious koalas is encouraged to provide their views.”

Quote attributable to Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin:

“Friends of the Koala (FOK) in Lismore is one of the high-profile organisations in New South Wales which has for decades been dedicated to the long-term survival of local koala populations.

“This challenge has been taken up by many more local residents who also want to see our koalas survive and thrive.

“The discussion paper is an opportunity for locals to have input into koala policy so that future generations of Australians can appreciate these unique creatures.”

FOK SUPPORT: Lismore MP Janelle Saffin last week delivered her election commitment of $110,000 to Friends of the Koala for a chlamydia vaccination program and koala data base. With her were, from left, FOK General Manager Silva Everaers, NSW Climate Change and Environment Minister Penny Sharpe and FOK President Aliison Kelly.  

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