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Spotting Koalas from the Sky: How Drone Technology Is Helping to Protect Our Wildlife

In response to the devastating impact of the 2019/2020 Black Summer Bushfires on koala populations and other threatened species, Landcare Australia, WIRES (NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service), and Queensland University of Technology (QUT) partnered to create the WildSeek Project. Funded by generous public donations, WildSeek is an innovative conservation initiative that uses drone technology equipped with infrared cameras to detect koalas high in the forest canopy. The data collected helps communities and land managers make informed decisions to protect vital native habitat and improve planning for future fire events.

Tamworth Regional Landcare Association (TRLA) is proud to be one of five Community Hubs across Australia delivering this cutting-edge project, alongside partners in Mid Coast NSW, South East Queensland, East Gippsland, and the Sydney Region. TRLA owns and operates a drone as part of the WildSeek initiative and contracts experienced local agronomist and farmer James Filby as our chief drone pilot. So far, the drone has flown over bushland in Tamworth, Duncans Creek, Bendemeer, and Walla Walla Creek, identifying approximately 39 koalas with support from infrared technology and analysis by QUT.

TRLA invites you to Landcare Learnings with James Filby on Monday, July 22nd, from 6–8 PM at the UNE Building, Fitzroy Street, Tamworth. James will take us behind the scenes of the WildSeek Project, sharing insights into where the team has flown, what they’ve discovered, and how drone-collected data supports local koala conservation. He’ll also explore broader themes including canopy health, habitat protection, and how regenerative agriculture can support both productive grazing and biodiversity.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how innovative technology and community partnerships are shaping the future of wildlife conservation in our region.

Book now
 Book now



Latest News

PLCs in Action: PLC Matters Wraps Up for Another Year!

We’re excited to share the official wrap‑up article from the BCT about the PLC Matters program and its impact on private land conservation across New South Wales: PLC Matters inspires private land conservation across NSW.

Since launching in June 2023, BCT and Landcare NSW have teamed up through PLC Matters to develop a thriving network of landholders committed to safeguarding biodiversity. By June 2025, they had delivered 143 events across the state, engaging nearly 2,200 participants in field days, workshops, and storytelling sessions. plcm.landcarensw.net.au+5bct.nsw.gov.au+5bct.nsw.gov.au+5

The program’s impact is clear:

  • ✅ 90 % of participants reported high satisfaction and felt inspired to take conservation action
  • ✅ 85 % said they could directly apply what they learned to their own land
  • ✅ Knowledge increased from an average of 41 to 58 on a 100‑point scale
  • ✅ Over 30 partner organisations are now collaborating with BCT and Landcare NSW bct.nsw.gov.au


From practical learning and community building to empowering landholders to protect threatened species and landscapes, PLC Matters is making a real difference for conservation on private land.

Want to be part of this community? Read the full article above and explore the PLC Matters Toolkit via Landcare NSW to find upcoming events and resources in your region.

Come Work With Us!

Come Work With Us!

Our native plant nursery is on the lookout for a Casual Horticulturist to join our team!

If you’re passionate about native plants, love getting your hands dirty, and have experience in propagation or nursery work, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply or if you have any enquiries please contact Jacqui on 0401717015 or jacqui@trla.org.au

TRLA stands with the Home is where the hollow is campaign

Here at TRLA, we’re passionate about the wellbeing of our natural ecosystem and recognise the responsibility we have to protect the environment and biodiversity.

Tree hollows and fallen logs provide important homes for Australian wildlife, but they’re disappearing at an alarming rate.

Trees provide critical habitat for native wildlife to forage, shelter, roost and nest. Hollow bearing trees are particularly important, as many species use hollows on a daily and seasonal basis to nest and raise their young.

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Our members often say that when you become part of Landcare, you’re not just joining a group, you’re becoming part of a family. The concept is so compatible with Australian culture it’s hard not to get involved! By becoming a TRLA member, you’ll be supporting our work, learning new skills, becoming part of the solution, and helping to make a difference for the future.

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together we can make a difference

funding support

Did you know (TRLA) run an Annual Small Grants program for Landcare activities connected to the Tamworth region.

Volunteer Landcare and Grassroots Community groups can apply up to $2,500 for activities that meet an objective of TRLA’s strategic plan with eight successful projects being awarded funds from across the region.

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