Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00555:body:0:p66
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00555
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 206938–209848

al. 2017; Seabrook et al. 2014a).
There is some uncertainty surrounding where the northern and western edges of Koala distribution will fall under climate change (Adams-Hosking et al. 2011a; Briscoe et al. 2016). These differences are driven by differences in the types of species-distribution models (correlative versus mechanistic), the datasets used, and choices of model parameters. All models support climate-driven range contraction.

21.4 Queensland
In Queensland, the Koala has been recorded as far north as Cooktown, in the central west (Julia Creek region) and central southwest (Charleville region), with the main concentration of Koalas along the south-eastern coast (Gordon et al. 2006). Koalas also occur on islands off the Queensland coast. The population on North Stradbroke Island is probably natural, whereas those of Brampton, St. Bees, Newry, Rabbit and Magnetic Islands are introduced (Melzer et al. 2000).
Information on distribution of the Koala in Queensland prior to European arrival is scant and therefore the true extent of its natural range and subsequent contraction in distribution is uncertain. However, analysis of historical data indicates that between the late 1800s and the end of the 20th century the Koala has contracted in extent of occurrence by 27% and area of occupancy by 23%. This contraction has occurred mainly in the northern and western margins of distribution, with local losses in the areas of concentrated settlement along the coast (Gordon et al. 2006).
Tropical eucalypt savanna, showing E. crebra and C. intermedia. Einasleigh Uplands bioregion, The Oaks Station, Qld. Image: © Don Franklin.

21.5 New South Wales
In New South Wales, the Koala is found along much of the coast, with major populations in the northern coastal areas, bordering southern Queensland, and more scattered populations in the southern coast (Lunney et al. 1997, 2009, 2017; Phillips 1990; Reed et al. 1990). Towards central and western New South Wales, west of the Great Dividing Range, distribution is increasingly disjunct and scattered with a major population surrounding Gunnedah in north-western New South Wales (DECC 2008; Lunney et al. 2009; Phillips 1990; Reed et al. 1990). The most westerly sightings reported between 1985–2007 are around Bourke, Ivanhoe and Wilcannia in central and north-central New South Wales and Deniliquin near the Murray River. The Koala is absent in the far west (DECC 2008; Lunney et al. 2009).
A synthesis of surveys between 1949 and 1987 indicate that the distribution of the Koalas has contracted significantly in New South Wales, notably in the north-western and southern margins (Phillips 1990; Reed et al. 1990). These contractions have continued in recent years (McAlpine et al. 2015). Localised declines in the distribution of Koalas have been noted in coastal areas that are subject to high anthropogenic pressure (McAlpine et al. 2015).