Koala Habitat Restoration Project

Koala Habitat Restoration Project – Liverpool Plains & Gunnedah LGAs

Funded under the NSW Government’s ‘Saving our Species’ (SOS) program, the Koala Habitat Restoration Project will establish 45 hectares of new koala habitat on private properties across both Shires by the end of 2021.

Managed by Tamworth Regional Landcare Association (TRLA), local ownership and guidance for project implementation has been achieved via a steering committee with local experts from Gunnedah Urban Landcare Group, Project Koala, Local Land Services North West, both Shire Councils, the DPIE and North West Ecological Services.

In ‘Round 1’ (2018-2021), five landholders from the Gunnedah Shire established multi-species corridors totalling 17 hectares.  In ‘Round 2’, which commenced in 2020, the program was expanded to the Liverpool Plains Shire; attracting an additional 11 participants.  The 16 participating landholders represent several localities in the region where koalas are known to exist including: Emerald Hill, Marys Mount, Ghoolendaadi, Gunnedah, Curlewis, Breeza, Piallaway, Pine Ridge, Werris Creek and Wallabadah.

All participating landholders received a visit from an ecologist to help design effective koala corridors that also supported broader biodiversity. Several have set up permanent watering points for koalas taking advantage of the WIRES Water for Wildlife Project WIRES Major Water Project to Help Wildlife

The contribution of these landholders towards the continued survival of koalas in the region was celebrated at a special event at one of the participating properties in Breeza on Friday 23 April 2021. TRLA vice chair Wayne Chaffey commended the landholders and reported that the project has exceeded its original objective of procuring 30 hectares across both Shires. Member for Tamworth, Mr Kevin Anderson MP officially launched the planting season and indicated his willingness to advocate for the continuation of the program within the NSW Government.

Save our Species Koala project: North West koala species the focus of corridor tree planting at Breeza Station | The Northern Daily Leader | Tamworth, NSW

This project supports local landholders to revegetate their properties with koala-friendly native tree and shrub species in corridors that will link existing remnant native vegetation. Contracted landholders receive approximately 50% of the estimated cost of corridor establishment (including cost of fencing, ground preparation, tubestock natives etc). TRLA offers support through provision of resources and facilitating access to local expertise.

Landholders in the Liverpool Plains and Gunnedah regions who see koalas on their property are encouraged to express interest in future funding opportunities by contacting to the Local Landcare Coordinator. We will contact you if/when similar funding opportunities become available.

Lisa Bates, Local Landcare Coordinator (Liverpool Plains Region),

Tamworth Regional Landcare Association

Koala Brochure

Tamworth Regional Landcare Association (TRLA) have a grant funding agreement with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment to oversee the Saving our Species koala conservation project in the Gunnedah and Liverpool Plains region. The state-wide SOS program aims to secure threatened plants and animals in the wild in NSW.  A total of $145,000 has been allocated to fund the program in the Gunnedah and Liverpool Plains LGAs. The program is due to reach completion by December 2021.

Photo supplied by Ingrid Yeo

Koala Habitat Restoration Project:  Facts & Figures

Funded by:	Dept of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) (Koala Strategy; Saving our Species)
Managed by:	Tamworth Regional Landcare Association
LGAs:	Gunnedah & Liverpool Plains Shires
Localities:	Emerald Hill, Marys Mount, Ghoolendaadi, Gunnedah, Curlewis, Breeza, Piallaway, Pine Ridge, Werris Creek & Wallabadah
Landholders:	16 (involving 17 properties)
Hectares:	45 ha (67 Rugby League playing fields)