Koalatown

Council monitoring of Campbelltown's koalas is currently proposed to be undertaken as follows:

1. Biennial (i.e. every 2 years) sampling of a randomly selected series of permanent monitoring points (PMPs) using Rapid-SAT methodology. It is envisaged that ~ 100 PMPs will be available for sampling, and that a minimum of 50 sites will be sampled at any given monitoring event. Minimum expected output: a measure of naïve occupancy / habitat utilisation. The sustainable benchmark naïve occupancy / habitat utilisation measure will be set at a minimum of 50% of available habitat.

2. Comprehensive review of historical koala records at every third monitoring event (i.e. every 6 years). Minimum expected output: Extent of Occurrence (EoO), Area of Occupancy (AoO) & Generational Persistence assessments for comparison to preceding generational estimates. The sustainable AoO measure will be set at a minimum of 50% of available habitat.

3. Comprehensive review of carer records at every third monitoring event (i.e. every 6 years) to make clear changing trends in terms of fire, disease, domestic dog attack and vehicle-strike.

4. Comprehensive review of approved koala habitat habitat loss / gain at every at every third monitoring event (i.e. every 6 years).

The safety net for Campbelltown's Koalas

Two consecutive declines of > 10% in biennial naïve occupancy / habitat utilisation measures, and/or a statistically significant decrease in AoO when compared to the immediately preceding generational assessment will result in a population red flag. A red flag will require a more detailed review of available records, carer data and threatening processes with a view to identifying the likely cause of decline and recommended measures to ameliorate / restore / recover minimum sustainable naïve occupancy / AoO measures.