NSW Koala Strategy
I recently released the NSW Government Koala Strategy, backed by an unprecedented amount of funding and more than 30 actions to conserve and grow koala populations around our state. The five-year plan is a comprehensive roadmap that will help deliver the NSW Government’s ambition to double the number of koalas.
This $193.3 million NSW Koala Strategy is the biggest financial commitment by any govern- ment to secure the future of koalas in the wild. In fact, this is the largest investment in any single species in Australia and demonstrates how committed we are to achieving our goal of doubling koala numbers by 2050.
There are multiple threats to koalas, including loss and fragmentation of their habitat, compounded by the impact of the devastating 2019–20 bushfires, as well as vehicle strike and dog attacks. The strategy will better secure 10 climate resilient koala stronghold locations from the Southern Tablelands to Campbelltown and Lismore, which will receive intensive action in the next five years to support the existing populations there.
A key part of the Koala Strategy involves establishing partnerships with conservation groups and communities. The Strategy will help to fill key knowledge gaps and fund priority scientific studies to support koalas, including chlamydia vaccine trials. The new Strategy builds upon the previous $44.7 million NSW Koala Strategy, which protected more koala habitat, invested in fixing koala roadkill hotspots, provided wildlife care training and funded scientific research, among other things.
To read the Koala Strategy, visit: environment.nsw.gov.au/koalas
Play Manly
I’m pleased to report that the Play Manly event was an enormous success. The weather (mostly!) held off and allowed visitors and locals alike to see the best that Manly has to offer. It was great to attend the launch and see so many people walking around and enjoying the activities around Manly. I thought the installation on West Esplanade looked fantastic and the giant MANLY sign on the beachfront proved extremely popular with visitors lining up to get their photo in front of the giant letters.
Fridays at Freshie
My regular visits to Freshwater are back up and running. Fridays at Freshie give me a great opportunity to work out of Freshwater and it’s always a privilege to be able to talk with members of our community about the issues that matter to them. I really appreciate those that took the time to stop in and say hi!
Anzac Day
Last month also saw us take time to reflect on those who fought for our country with the annual Anzac Day services. Anzac Day is a time of reflection and an opportunity for all of us to show our respects to our service men and women. This year I attended the pre- dawn service at Manly and it was humbling to see such a large crowd at this service. I also attended the Balgowlah RSL, Harbord Diggers and the 11am service at Manly. It is great to see so many people at each of these services as we mark one of the most important days of the year.
Monthly Environment Minister Fact
Did you know that we have recently translocated the extremely rare Nightcap Oak tree to four secret locations around New South Wales? This ancient Gondwana era tree currently has only one known location northeast of Lismore and to protect the species we have begun translocating them to other secret locations so they are around for others to enjoy in years to come.