Koala Habitat acquisition strategy Qld To be eligible, part or all of the property must be mapped as high or medium value, suitable for rehabilitation. The priority is securing habitat corridors and restoring cleared habitat, with a focus in the Pine Rivers and Koala Coast areas. 2010 Commenced/ ongoing On 31 October 2009 the Queensland Government announced it is committing an additional $15M to the Koala Response Strategy to protect south-east Queensland’s koalas. These funds are for the Koala Habitat acquisition strategy and the Koala Nature Refuges Program (see 1.03). This program uses maps of existing koala bushland habitat and areas suitable for rehabilitation. 2011 Ongoing 8 properties purchased to date: Total value - $15.7 million Total area – 379.6 ha Number of koala habitat trees proposed to be planted – 61 220 2012 Ongoing Number of koala habitat trees planted as at February 2012 – 33 056 Review conditions of Eden Regional Forest Agreement (RFA) Region Integrated Forestry Operations Approvals and Threatened Species Licence related to koala protection NSW OEH and Forests NSW have been gathering and analysing data to support the review process. OEH has held preliminary discussions with Forests NSW about potential reserve options. Ongoing negotiations in south east regarding habitat in the Mumbulla, Murrah and Bermagui State Forests. 2010 Commenced/ ongoing Options limited by commitments in RFAs, Forest Agreements and Integrated Forestry Operations Approvals. 2011 Ongoing Forests NSW have estimated resource loss if logging does not proceed in koala habitat. Options remained limited by timber resource commitments in RFAs, Forest Agreements and Integrated Forestry Operations Approvals. 2012 Ongoing For resolution in 2012. Local Council Koala Plans of Management NSW Development and review of comprehensive Koala Plans of Management (CKPoM) under provisions of SEPP 44. 2010 Commenced/ ongoing OEH working with Councils to investigate feasibility of commencing CKPoMs. Kempsey Plan on exhibition. 2011 Ongoing Kempsey Plan approved. Lismore Plan on exhibition.
medium priority for rehabilitation of koala habitat. A binding, perpetual nature refuge over at least two hectares is required to receive funding. 2011 Ongoing To date: 2238 ha have been Gazetted as Koala Nature Refuges. A total of 115 ha will be revegetated as koala habitat. 2012 Ongoing Local Council Koala plans of management NSW Development and review of comprehensive Koala Plans of Management (CKPoM) under provisions of SEPP 44. 2010 Commenced/ ongoing Port Stephens: finalised. Kempsey: final draft. Coffs Harbour: five-year review on public exhibition. Tweed LGA: $40,000 provided to fund field surveys and habitat mapping for eastern coastal section. Northern Rivers PoM to be updated with Biodiversity Management Strategy. 2011 Ongoing Cooma-Monaro has applied to the Environment Trust for funding to undertake a CKpoM. Kempsey, Coffs Harbour and Port Stephens have approved plans. Clarence Valley Council part shire-wide plan under review after Public Exhibition. Lismore Council POM being finalised and will go on Public Exhibition shortly. 2012 Planned/ ongoing Commence Cooma-Monaro KpoM and finalise Lismore CKpoM. Palerang and Snowy have also expressed interest, dependent on funding. Councils will seek incentive funds to encourage landholder involvement in implementation of CKpoM. Develop incentive-based mechanisms to incorporate koala conservation into planning processes NSW Incentive based mechanisms already exist in NSW including voluntary conservation agreements, property vegetation plans, biobanking, etc. 2010 Commenced/ ongoing Key example is “Woodville” adjacent to population of breeding koalas near Bermagui. Initiated by Far South coast Landcare Association with steering committee representation by OEH.
2011 Ongoing Initial stage of planting completed at “Woodville”. 4 000 trees in riparian areas. 6km of riverine buffers achieved. Management agreement achieved through funding agreement (Caring for our Coasts) and local council planning processes. Two adjoining properties have VCA’s that contribute to koala habitat and riparian buffer conservation. 2012 Ongoing Private land conservation mechanisms will continue to include koala habitat. The regulation of native vegetation removal in Victoria ensures that important habitat, including koala habitat, is protected Vic Net gain sought. 2010 Ongoing Through the Native Vegetation Management Framework. 2011 Ongoing Through the Native Vegetation Management Framework. Raymond Island habitat protection Vic Tree banding and exclusion plots by private landholders 2010 Ongoing Ongoing since 2004. Not monitored in 2010. 2011 Ongoing Not monitored. Otways habitat protection Vic Protection of preferred food trees. 2010 Ongoing Individual trees are protected with tree bands. 2011 Ongoing Individual trees are protected with tree bands. NatureLinks SA See 1.01 Ongoing See 1.01 1.04 Prioritise populations Australian Centre for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (ACEAS) workshop Australian Government The ACEAS is supporting the workshop “Conserving koalas in the 21st Century: synthesising the dynamics of Australia’s koala populations”. The workshop is an initiative of the Koala Research Network, which aims to provide robust science to inform sustainable koala conservation and management. 2012 February and July 2012 The ACEAS is a facility of the Terrestrial Ecosystems Research Network, which is supported by the Australian Government through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy and the Super Science Initiative. The workshops will provide an expert synthesis of current knowledge of koala population trends across the national range.
National Competitive Grants Program – Australian Research Council (ARC) Australian Government National Competitive Grants Program funding for koala projects, including projects on koala genetic diversity and disease. Ongoing Since 2002 the ARC has awarded funding to nine projects involving research directly and indirectly related to koalas. Prioritise conservation efforts in South East Queensland using legislative planning processes Qld Develop planning instruments to target koala populations under pressure due to development activities and to regulate that development. 2010 Commenced/ ongoing South East Queensland (SEQ) Regional Plan 2009 – 2031 commenced July 2009 SPP 2/10 commenced May 2010 SEQ Koala Conservation State Planning Regulatory Provisions (SPRP) commenced May 2010 2011 Ongoing Strategic-level planning instruments such as structure plans and master plans must meet the requirements of the SPP, including by contributing to a net increase in koala habitat in SEQ. SEQ Local Government Authorities must assess development proposals in specified koala habitat areas to achieve the koala conservation outcomes specified in the SPRP. 2012 Ongoing Expert workshop to identify priority populations in South Coast and Snowy Mountains Regions NSW Identify priority populations within the region. 2010 Planned Planned fieldwork will assist identification of priority populations. 2011 Ongoing Priority populations identified through survey. 2012 Ongoing Survey and monitoring of key populations to continue, aiming to improve knowledge of distribution and abundance, and of population trends. Prioritise populations on the mid and far north coast NSW NSW Desktop assessment of koala Wildlife Atlas records over last four decades together with results of local council Koala POM under SEPP 44 to determine priority areas and actions. 2011 Commenced/ ongoing Mapped spatial outputs to identify key priority populations and threats. 2012 Ongoing Complete desktop assessment and determine priorities for the mid and north coast of NSW.
Develop habitat assessment protocol Qld To achieve consistency in the identification of koala habitat. 2011 Completed Policy 7, Management Program, Nature Conservation (Koala) Conservation Plan 2006 and Management Program 2006 – 2016. Develop consistent protocols that enable population numbers or density to be compared between the same place at different times and between different habitats NSW OEH and Forests NSW have been gathering and analysing data and reviewing protocols for habitat assessment and monitoring, specific to koalas, on the south coast of NSW. 2010 Commenced/ ongoing 2011 Ongoing Regularised Grid-based Spot Assessment Technique (RGBSAT) surveys established as the standard survey method for OEH field surveys on the Far South Coast and Southern Tablelands, and for CKPoM development and some local government planning processes in Northern NSW. This method enables comparison of levels of koala activity between different study areas and within the same study area over time. A national workshop would facilitate the integration of existing datasets and recommend any changes in survey methods to assist with the integration process and improve monitoring capacity. 2012 Planned OEH will assist in the planning and management of a national workshop to facilitate the integration of existing datasets and recommend any changes in survey methods. State-wide koala distribution survey NSW Determine state-wide geographic distribution of koalas and changes of distribution via ‘public survey’ technique. In 2009, a low-cost survey was initiated to follow-up the 2006 NSW survey and 1986-87 national survey. 2010 Commenced/ ongoing The state-wide survey is community based. Whilst highly effective, the 2006 postal survey was in fact costly. The current survey is low cost, but requires more publicity for people to go to the website. 2011 Ongoing Continued the web-based survey. The effectiveness of the web based survey has been strengthened by local area advertising in the media. 2012 Ongoing Web-based koala survey will continue.
2011 Ongoing Transitioning from translocation to hormone implants for population control but will still require translocation for some years. Meeting of French Island koala population managers Vic To refine management and monitoring of the French Island population as the program transitions from translocation to hormone implants. 2010 Planned Planned for April 2010. 2011 Completed Mid 2011, population managers met with koala experts to discuss 2011 sterilisation and translocation plan. Plan adapted with advice received. Kangaroo Island Koala Management Program SA Maintain habitat values, including trees favoured by koalas; To reduce the koala population by fertility control and relocation with the aim of maintaining a sustainable koala population? 2010 Ongoing 2011 Ongoing 2012 Ongoing Program outcomes and targets are reviewed on an annual basis. 2.02 Identify emerging overbrowsing problems Develop ecological rationale for Great Otway NP Vic The ecological rationale together with the proposed mapping and population survey work to be undertaken will determine the extent of manna gum (and other spp) affected by koala overbrowsing and the estimate the number of koalas. 2010 Planned/ ongoing Is dependent on incoming information. The Otways has been identified as an area where koala numbers and manna gum death and defoliation are increasing. Options for management are limited. Limited by lack of existing information. 2011 Ongoing Tree condition and koala population surveys have been contracted. Work in progress. State-wide Koala Management Strategy SA The SA Government is developing a State-wide Koala Management Strategy which aims to conserve and manage sustainable populations of koalas throughout their natural and introduced ranges. This may include an assessment process to identify overbrowsing problems. 2011 Commenced/ ongoing In early stages of development. 2012 Ongoing Envisaged to be a 12 to 18 month process. 2.03 Develop national translocation guidelines
National Environmental Research Program (NERP) Australian Government, Qld, NSW Program funding to better manage the impacts of human activities on koalas. 2012 Ongoing Since 2009 the Australian Government has provided funding of $359,000 through a NERP project to better manage human impacts on koalas, including car strike. The project is being undertaken by University of Queensland with assistance from the NSW OEH. Trial on retrofitting wildlife crossings and underpasses on south-east Queensland’s hot spot Qld This $10 million trial will examine the effectiveness of retrofitting existing bridges and culverts with structures that allow koalas to safely cross roads. 2010 Commenced/ ongoing A DERM / Department of Transport and Main Roads Steering Committee established. Identification of potential retrofit sites commenced. 2011 Ongoing 18 trial sites identified, works undertaken (e.g. overpass; underpass; exclusion fencing; landscaping; vehicle-activated signage), and koala monitoring underway at 7 sites. A further 5 sites under advanced investigation. 2012 Ongoing Committed to ensuring all new state roads and upgrades are koala-friendly Qld New roads and upgrading existing roads will incorporate design and location to reduce impact on koalas 2010 Commenced/ ongoing Installing structures that allow koalas to cross roads (such as underpasses and overpasses), along with fencing, will allow koalas to move more safely between adjacent habitat, reduce road mortality and better protect koala populations. 2011 Ongoing Department of Transport and Main Roads procedures. 2012 Ongoing Monitoring the effectiveness of road measures (underpasses and overpasses) NSW Overpasses and underpasses that are used by koalas 2012 Completed A report will be delivered to Roads and Maritime Services that monitors the effectiveness over the last 4 years of road measures on the Pacific Highway at Bonville. Wildlife Connectivity Guidelines NSW Improve road design that considers connectivity for species including koalas 2011 Completed
Australian Research Council (ARC) Australian Government National Competitive Grants Program funding for koala projects. Ongoing Since 2002 the ARC has awarded funding to eleven projects involving research directly and indirectly related to koalas. This includes almost $3 million for ten projects about koala genetic diversity and koala disease. The Koala Disease Fund Qld The Koala Disease Research Fund has been established to support high quality research into mitigating the effects of disease on wild populations of koalas. 2010 Commenced Underway – an expression of interest has been called. The Koala Disease Research Fund will have a total value of $400 000. Funding will be allocated through an open competitive funding round. 2011 Ongoing 4 projects underway, total value $399 608. Research areas - Chlamydial vaccine development; disease causes & consequences; presence of Chlamydia & identification of risk factors; relationship between stress & disease. Research institutions involved – Queensland University of Technology, University of Queensland and University of Melbourne. Completion and acceptance of all final reports due before April 2012. Moggill Koala Hospital Qld Moggill Koala Hospital was established in 1991. Injured and diseased koalas are treated, and orphaned koalas are rehabilitated, for return to the wild. 2010 Ongoing Koalas are also treated at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Hospital, and at various private veterinarian clinics. 2011 Ongoing In the period 1997 to mid-May 2011: 21 965 sick, injured or orphaned koalas were delivered to wildlife hospitals in SEQ, including MKH. Of these, 7120 were dead on arrival; 7514 required euthanasia on arrival; 6288 were admitted for treatment; 1043 were released immediately. 2012 Ongoing
Koalas in the Coastal Forests of the Bermagui/Mumbulla Area and associated media, website and email networks distribution. Distribution of bilingual (English and Dhurga, the main Aboriginal language of the NSW South Coast) booklet to schools and Aboriginal land councils on local koala history and ecology. Distribution of survey methods educational kit (RGBSAT method) to science students from local high schools, Bournda Environmental Educational Centre and Crossing land Education Centre.OEH maintains a threatened species website which includes a profile page for the koala and the listed endangered populations. Links are also included to the State Koala Recovery Plan, the National Koala Conservation Strategy and other reports. 2011 Ongoing Interim reports on results of survey programs in Far South Coast and Southern Tablelands published and distributed, primarily to volunteers. Some publicity 2012 Ongoing Information kit for landholders owning properties where koalas occur on the Southern Tablelands prepared and distributed. Publication: Climate Change How will it affect the natural environment in NSW? NSW Publication on the effects of climate change; case study of a heatwave during an intense drought, on the Liverpool Plains, in December 2009. 2010 Commenced 2011 Ongoing 2012 Planned Climate change is adding to the threats facing koalas. Adaptation strategies will need to be developed to incorporate more frequent extreme weather events as well as the impact of rising temperatures and the effect of carbon dioxide on leaf nutrients. Develop Emergency protocols for the rescue of wildlife during bushfires Vic Coordinated, efficient and safe response to wildlife rescue from bushfires. 2010 Ongoing Conducted information sessions and sent document to practitioners. Volunteers must attend pre-season briefings and meet all requirements before they can attend fire grounds. 2011 Ongoing
NSW Threatened Species Priorities Action Statement (PAS) NSW Through the new PAS program, a new program of recovery action will be developed for the Koala based on the existing Koala Recovery Plan and the National Koala Conservation and Management Strategy. This will help guide the management and recovery of the Koala. 2012 Planned Develop and commence implementation of revised recovery program for the koala. Sam the koala on display at Melbourne Museum Vic Increased community awareness of koala ecology. 2010 Completed Sam was the koala made famous when a photograph was published of her being offered water by a fire fighter. Raymond Island community involvement with population management Vic Community involvement with translocations, fertility control, counts and welfare rescues. Community supportive of the program. 2010 Ongoing Includes wildlife shelter operators directly involved in the program and tours of the program for the local community. Koala Intervention Policy SA Policy to guide response to emergency situations involving koalas. Policy provides for an expanded role for the community in koala conservation, management and care. 2010 Planned 2011 Commenced/ ongoing Implementation of a new policy to guides actions which allows suitably qualified and experienced wildlife rehabilitators to assist in the recovery, rehabilitation and release of sick, injured or orphaned koalas across the state. 2012 Ongoing In process of implementation. Category 5 Caring for koalas in captivity 5.01 Develop guidelines for handling and care Code of Practice Qld Code of Practice, Care of orphaned, sick or injured protected animals by 2010 Commenced/ ongoing Updated 2010.
Develop state-wide training for rehabilitators Vic Improved standards of care. 2010 Planned Koala Intervention Policy and Guidelines SA Policy to guide response to emergency situations involving koalas. Policy provides for an expanded role for the community in koala conservation, management and care. 2010 Planned 2011 Commenced/ ongoing Implementation of a new policy (see 4.03) and associated 'Guidelines for the Captive Management of Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) in South Australia'. 2012 Ongoing In process of implementation. 5.02 Review export conditions Review export conditions Australian Government 2010 Complete Guidelines for export of koalas reviewed by DEWHA in 2009. Category 6 Research 6.01 Develop and use broad-scale habitat analysis Potential research project Qld Encourage a research institution to undertake a project to identify appropriate, cost-effective, techniques. 2010 Planned Incorporated into draft Koala Research Plan of the DERM Koala Policy & Operations Branch. 2011 Planned Research Plan awaiting final approval. 2012 Planned Bermagui-Mumbulla Forests surveys NSW Peer review of statistical analysis of data gathered in 2007–09 in Bermagui-Mumbulla Forests. Based on review, kernel density estimation will be undertaken to map habitat attributes. 2010 Ongoing Ongoing: Jan 2010 - June 2010 2011 Completed Peer review by CSIRO completed. Broad-scale habitat analyses NSW A series of broadscale habitat analyses undertaken with the University of Queensland over the last 6 years, enabled by National ARC linkage grants. Papers have been published linking on ground conservation problems with broadscale landscape approaches. 2010 Completed This program has initiated a series of subsequent projects.
Genetic Studies NSW Genetic analysis commenced in 2011 by OEH and Sydney University to assess genetic diversity with populations, genetic differences and linkages between populations and extent of retrovirus in populations in SENSW. 2011 Commenced/ ongoing 2012 Ongoing The genetic studies will continue, preferably with appointment of doctoral student to make this the prime focus of a PhD. Bark Chewing Behaviour NSW Research into bark chewing behaviour of koalas. 2012 Planned Undertaking research into bark-chewing behaviour by koalas will be investigated by OEH and ANU. Environmental reporting framework SA SA Government is developing an "environmental reporting framework" which will coordinate data collection and analysis and thus include the presently collected koala and habitat data but may allow data collected for other subjects to be incorporated into the analysis for koala program. 2011 Planned 2012 Planned State-wide Koala Management Strategy SA The SA Government is developing a State-wide Koala Management Strategy which aims to conserve and manage sustainable populations of koalas throughout their natural and introduced ranges. This may include identification and analysis of koala habitat and distribution. 2011 Commenced/ ongoing In early stages of development. 2012 Ongoing Envisaged to be a 12 to 18 month process. 6.02 Identify and prioritise knowledge gaps National Environmental Research Program (NERP) Australian Government/ NSW Program funding to develop a tool to evaluate and prioritise koala conservation actions. 2010 Ongoing A joint project between NSW and DSEWPaC to evaluate the of existing strategies for koala conservation – part of a $359,000 NERP funded project to also better manage human impacts on koalas. See 3.01 above 2011 Ongoing NERP project is underway. 2012 Ongoing
Identify long term changes in populations and why they differ between regions NSW To make more effective use of planning provisions, community efforts, and restoration programs. 2010 Commenced 2011 Ongoing 2012 Planned Focus on both coastal and western populations to link in with current planning reviews as well as historical changes in land use and hunting. 6.03 Identify climate change research Potential research project Qld Encourage a research institution to undertake a project to identify potential directions. 2010 Planned Incorporated into draft Koala Research Plan of the DERM Koala Policy & Operations Branch. 2011 Planned Research Plan awaiting final approval. 2012 Planned Adapting restoration strategies for climate change NSW Identify tree choice in the identified region where climate change is having an impact (Gunnedah), and, to determine the extent to which temperature change has adversely effected coastal populations in NSW. 2010 Commenced Initial work in Gunnedah well underway. 2011 Ongoing Work in Eden region commenced. 2012 Ongoing Analysis for Gunnedah and Eden with more projects planned. 6.04 Facilitate development of koala research network Koala Research Network Cooperative of koala research scientists. 2010 Commenced/ ongoing Established by Queensland koala research scientists. 2011 Ongoing 2012 Ongoing 6.05 Develop methods to compare disparate data on koala distribution and abundance Develop standard methods on the South Coast NSW Participation in process comparing disparate data on koala distribution and abundance. 2010 Ongoing 2011 Ongoing
2012 Planned/ongoing NSW will assist in the planning and management of an expert's workshop to facilitate the integration of existing datasets and recommend any changes in survey methods. National mapping workshop Australian Government Identify method for consistent mapping and evaluation of koala habitat. 2010 Ongoing Data are being collected and collated. 6.06 Develop mechanisms to fund and disseminate research Koala Disease Research Fund Qld Establish a Koala Disease Research Fund to support high quality research into mitigating the effects of disease on wild populations of koalas. 2010 Commenced See 3.03 2011 Ongoing DERM Koala Policy & Operations Branch koala research program Qld Develop and manage in-house, and partnership research into koala conservation issues. 2010 Ongoing DERM develops and manages an in-house research plan and opportunistically funds and builds partnerships to conduct and disseminate dedicated research. 2011 Ongoing See 1.06, 1.08, 3.01, 3.03, 6.03 2012 Ongoing Discussions with the Koala Research Network have commenced re. partnerships.