IT’s been a busy time for the Myall Koala and Environment Group, preparing a number of submissions for a NSW Government strategy to help stabilise and hopefully increase koala numbers.

The group was asked to respond by early March, to 11 recommendations made by the State’s Chief Scientist and Engineer.

The recommendations included improved data and mapping and actions to maximise collaboration between Government, researchers, land managers and the community.

As well, the Myall Group was invited to give community feedback on the draft ‘Saving Our Species Iconic Koala Project’, a five year plan for koala conservation.

The Government also asked for input into its State Environment Planning Policy aimed at reducing the decline in animal numbers.

Locally, due to the diligence of the Myall Group, numbers of koalas in our area appear to have stayed steady at around 20 since 1999.

The Koala group is currently in negotiations with MidCoast Council to implement other strategies to slow down traffic along Kingfisher Avenue in Hawks Nest.

Six koalas have been killed on Kingfisher in the past three years.

The radar activated speed sign to slow traffic appears to have had the reverse effect.

Speeds coming off the Singing Bridge have actually increased slightly since the new sign was installed last year, one driver was clocked at doing 150.9 kph.

Gail and Ian Morphett say it’s extremely important to report koala sightings.

Anyone spotting a koala is encouraged to call the sightings hotline answering machine on 4997 0878.

 

By Margie TIERNEY