Media Release - 24-04-06

Koala survey

THE NSW Government will spend $230,000 on a Statewide survey to map where koalas live across NSW.

Environment Minister Bob Debus said the more we know about koala distribution and the location of their food and trees, the better equipped we will be to help conserve and recover their numbers in NSW.

"In NSW most koala populations now survive in isolated and fragmented habitat.

"The loss and fragmentation of that habitat is the most serious threat facing the species.

"Knowing where they and their food sources are found across NSW will help determine the best way to protect these vulnerable animals."

Mr Debus said the State Government would seek matching funding from the federal government's Natural Heritage Trust for the project.

He encouraged the community and local councils to become involved in koala research.

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