Koalas are considered an endangered species in NSW, with road strikes a considerable threat to their safety.

Advertise with News of The Area today.
It’s worth it for your business.
Message us.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au

Port Stephens is home to one of the last surviving colonies of wild koalas in New South Wales.

WWF Australia estimated in 2021 that there are “no more than 250 koalas left in the Port Stephens colony”.

“Koala breeding season is usually from August to February, but mating started as early as July this year,” said MidCoast Council’s Acting Manager Natural Systems, Prue Tucker.

“Koalas are more likely to cross roads and other open areas as they search for a mate or new territory.

“Please slow down on tree-lined roads, especially in low-light conditions, including dusk, dawn and at night.”

Community members are also encouraged to report all koala sightings.

For residents in the MidCoast LGA, visit www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/koalasafespaces.

Port Stephens sightings can be recorded at https://psk.net.au/sighting/.

This data helps ecologists know more about koala locations and movements.

If your vehicle hits and injures a koala, or if you see a road-injured koala, please call your local koala rescue organisation immediately.

With koalas more often on the ground, dog attacks and livestock trampling also escalate during koala breeding season.

“We can all help by reporting stray dogs and keeping pet dogs secured at night and under effective control,” explained Ms Tucker.

“Those with livestock can also consider planting more koala feed trees in paddocks.

“Trees not only provide shade and wind breaks, but can also serve as refuge sites for koalas.”

How you can support local koalas

For the second year running, Port Stephens Koala Hospital (PSKH) is holding a ‘Cooking For Koalas’ fundraiser throughout the month of September.

PSKH responds to koala rescue calls 24/7, and provides veterinary treatment and year-round care at the purpose-built hospital at One Mile.

PSKH aims to raise awareness of the plight of koalas, and key funds to give koalas in their care the best opportunity to be returned to the wild.

Participating food and drink venues displaying the Cooking for Koalas poster have pledged to make a one-off donation to PSKH.

“To help generate interest, venues might dedicate the sale, or percentage of a menu item, or create a koala-inspired item or drink – or even hold an event,” said Christine Johnson, PSKH’s promotions volunteer.

“PSKH is incredibly grateful to the food and drink venues that have already come on board to support the campaign,” she said.

By Marian SAMPSON