A project aimed at connecting koalas to their habitats, and people to koala conservation, is set to be launched in the Tweed.
Tweed Shire Council has received funding from the NSW Government Environment Trust for the new “Koala Connections” project.
The Tweed Coast Koala Habitat Study, released earlier this year, identified key linkages where weed control and revegetation could improve the future prospects for Tweed Coast koalas.
Effective linkages range from broad corridors of existing vegetation, to single rows of koala food trees planted along fence lines.
The Koala Connections project will implement critical on-ground and educational actions arising from the Tweed Coast Koala Habitat Study which will help to provide a secure future for koalas on the Tweed Coast and foster a sense of stewardship with land holders and the broader community.
Through this project, Council will provide assistance for land holders within and near identified linkages with weed control and/or tree planting.
Project manager Sally Jacka said workshops would be held on koala ecology, revegetation and rehabilitation techniques, tree identification, seed collection and plant propagation.
“This will be particularly useful for community groups and landholders who are pursuing establishment of koala and other native wildlife habitats,” Ms Jacka said.
“This project will connect landholders, other concerned individuals, school students, community groups, government agencies, Council’s Tweed Coast Koala Plan of Management Advisory Group, experienced local bush regenerators and experts in koala ecology to ensure an integrated approach to reducing threats to koalas and guaranteeing an efficient and adaptable approach to management.”
The first of these workshops and the project launch will be held on Saturday, June 18 from 2pm to 4pm at Pottsville Environment Centre.
“Participants will learn more about the project, the results of the Tweed Coast Koala Habitat Study, koala ecology and how we can help improve their prospects in the Tweed,” Ms Jacka said.
Spaces are limited, so registrations are essential through Council’s Natural Resource Management Community Support Officer, Claire Masters on
(02) 6670 2199 or email csotweed@tweed.nsw.gov.au
