Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00555:body:0:p15
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00555
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 40459–43672

places there are local declines (Menkhorst 2008). Nevertheless, these populations are susceptible to the direct threats and threatening ecological processes outlined in this recovery plan. For example, some of the unlisted Koala populations have low genetic diversity and display evidence of inbreeding (section 22), while the Kangaroo Island population (introduced) was significantly impacted by the bushfires in 2019–2020.
The Victorian and South Australian populations may also become of greater significance as a stronghold in the future as climate change impacts progress, or if some unpredicted widescale catastrophe befalls the listed Koala populations. Thus, although this recovery plan does not legally inform management of the populations of the Koala in Victoria and South Australia, the principles and actions outlined here are also largely applicable to those populations, and engagement of Victoria and South Australian Koala management agencies will be sought as part of a broader national, coordinated Koala conservation effort.
Locally known as Koala Reserve (Narrandera Nature Reserve) is home to over 200 Koalas. Murrumbidgee Valley National Park, central NSW. Image: © S. Brown.

4. Planning and policy context
Across Australia, biodiversity conservation and protection are delivered through the combined efforts of the Australian Government, local, state, and territory governments, along with the actions of landholders, communities, traditional owners, the private sector, and non-government organisations. Conservation of the listed Koala is therefore influenced by a variety of cross-jurisdictional, Australian Government, and state, territory and local government policies, legislation, regulations and programs. This recovery plan is informed by, and interacts with, these policies and frameworks at multiple levels (Figure 3). It is the key national planning document guiding national and collaborative recovery efforts for the listed Koala. The Australian Government will take a lead role in coordination of recovery effort across national policies and will respond to new initiatives.

4.1 Australian Government
Australia is a Party to the international Convention on Biological Diversity, which aims to conserve biological diversity and promote sustainable development. The listed Koala occurs in areas where development is occurring. A sustainable development approach is required to meet the international obligations of this treaty. Australia's Strategy for Nature 2019–2030 (Commonwealth of Australia 2019) is a national plan to implement the Convention's Strategic Plan and meet the Aichi Targets. Together with Australia's Native Vegetation Framework (COAG Standing Council on Environment and Water 2012). These polices provide broad frameworks for conservation planning. They recognise the essential role that vegetation plays in conserving and promoting a biodiverse and thriving natural landscape and the shared responsibility at all levels of government to manage and protect Australia's environment for all Australians.
The listed Koala also occurs in five World Heritage Areas in Australia (UNESCO 2021): the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, the Greater Blue Mountains