NSW Chief Scientist’s report to protect local koalas

Media Release - 31 August 2020

Council has welcomed the release of NSW Chief Scientist’s report into the protection of the Campbelltown koala population.

An independent panel of expert scientists have provided the report to the NSW Government that includes proposed measures and strategies to mitigate risk to koalas and their habitat.

The draft Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan was also announced last week, which included plans for a Georges River Koala Reserve, which is on public exhibition until 25 September.

Mayor George Brticevic said any increased protections for Campbelltown’s precious koala colony were welcomed by Council.

“Council has long been advocating for increased protections for our local koalas and the wildlife who share their habitat including the provision of adequate fauna crossings as part of any upgrade to Appin Road,” Cr Brticevic said.

“We have been vocal for many years about the need to establish a Georges River National Park and look forward to seeing more detail on the proposed reserve,” he said.

“It is pleasing to see that many of the recommendations and findings from the Chief Scientist’s Report have vindicated actions taken by and advocated for by Council for many years, as part of our Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management and more recently, our Koalatown campaign.”

Staff will review the detail of the reports and provide its response to the NSW Government.

Residents are encouraged to put in their own submissions to the draft Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan.