Australian Government funding for $200,000 will go towards improving protection for koalas in South Western Sydney.
Some of the money will mean 600 new trees will be planted to create safer passages for koalas to breed and forage.
As part of the grant, weeds that are a fire risk and prevent koalas from moving freely will be cleared.
Cultural burning to reduce the threat of fires will also be funded form the grant, which will also be used to boost community and First Nations capacity to care for local koalas.
The project will be delivered in three sites in Saint Helens Park, Rosemeadow and Wilton by Greater Sydney Local Land Services.
It will help to combine traditional knowledge with science to protect koalas, to better care for and conserve the local koala population.
Koalas are currently listed as endangered in Queensland, NSW and the ACT and this investment is part of the Albanese Government’s more than $76 million Saving Koalas Fund to better protect koalas and repair koala habitat.
“Taking care of our wildlife, such as the iconic koala, is an important part of protecting the environment for future generations. This project will work with local community groups to restore koala habitats,’’ says Member for Macarthur, Mike Freelander.
“We want to see our local koalas not only survive but thrive, planting 600 koala trees, and removing 20 hectares of weeds in South West Sydney will help us achieve that.
“I’m very proud we’re drawing on First Nations knowledge with this project.
“With this investment, we’ll improve conditions for our koalas, supporting local people and local organisations.”
Environment minister Tanya Plibersek, pictured above with Dr Freelander and local koala activists, said no-one wants to imagine an Australia without the koalas.
“The Albanese Labor Government is making sure our kids and grandkids will still be able to see koalas in the wild,’’ she said.
“Communities across Australia play a crucial role in protecting and conserving this beloved animal. This funding is about supporting local groups to do what they do best – getting communities involved in protecting this iconic species.
“Through our Saving Koalas Fund, we are investing in projects that will help koalas not only survive but thrive.”
