Council calls meeting to protect koalas

The preservation of koalas in the Greater Macarthur Priority Growth Area will be the topic of discussion between government, landowners and conservation experts at a workshop to be held in March.

In October, Council resolved to initiate the Greater Macarthur Koala Partnership Forum to bring together stakeholders involved in the planning and management of the area identified for future development to consider ways to support the local koala population.

These areas include land release precincts to the south of Campbelltown in Gilead, Menangle and Appin.

“We understand that the topography and natural environment of this particular area provides the conditions necessary to sustain koalas. As we continue to plan for future growth in our area, we need to keep the long term vision of future-proofing koala habitat and movement within the region on the agenda,” said Mayor George Brticevic.

“This forum is an opportunity for the relevant government authorities, scientists, conservationists and landowners to collaborate and find ways to foster the long term survival of our koala population,” Cr Brticevic said.

“Council has a real depth of knowledge based on decades of involvement in the preservation of koalas and the natural environment that we can contribute to this discussion and are eager to hear the ideas of everyone involved in the future of this area,” he said.

Some matters for discussion will include the possibility of nature corridors within the growth area and the feasibility of a koala care program for the Greater Macarthur region.

The community will be consulted about any plans developed as a result of the forum at a future date.