Border Ranges - Richmond Valley Landcare Network Incorporated

Kyogle Koala Corridors

Landcare groups in the Kyogle area are collaborating to make landscape scale change in Koala corridors

Kyogle Koala Corridors

Landcare groups in the Kyogle area are collaborating to make landscape scale change in Koala corridors

Collaborations -

LP022-015

The issue

Along with so much of our wildlife, Koala populations on the North Coast suffered a very hard hit over the 2019/20 summer’s fires making it more important than ever to get active on improving Koala habitat. While the surrounding local government areas have, over the years, mapped Koala habitat and determined priorities for strategic Koala conservation action, this data for the Kyogle LGA is not yet available. Landholders and Landcare groups in the Kyogle LGA have decided to take the lead in supporting Koala corridors and habitat improvement.

The solution

Kyogle LGA Landcare groups have rallied together to achieve a cooperative and coordinated approach to retaining and expanding vegetation corridors for Koalas.

A recent project supported by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment through the NSW Koala Strategy, enabled restoration actions in occupied Koala habitat, planting of Koala food trees and workshops to build community knowledge on conservation actions. Once momentum was underway, additional support became available from the Saving our Species program and the Forestry Corporation, enabling a further 7000 Koala food trees for corridor plantings. These combined projects have reached 35 landholders and 6 Landcare groups across the Kyogle LGA.

The impact

The interest generated by these projects clearly demonstrates this is only the beginning. Communities who are concerned about Koala habitat have connected and inspired each other and plans for an LGA wide Koala Management Strategy are now forming within the Local Council. No longer is Kyogle off the Koala radar and the valuable habitat that exists is being recognised. The next step is to keep the spotlight on the issue and ensure that investment in improving existing habitat continues.

For more information about Koalas and what is happening to support them and their habitat in NSW go to www.koala.nsw.gov.au 

Key facts

  • Collaboration between 6 Landcare groups and 3 other organisations
  • Attracting 63 volunteers to community planting events
  • 7730 Koala food tree species planted
  • Awareness raised about the cultural significance of the Boodahbee (Koala)

Project Partners