Friends of the Koala

MEDIA RELEASE

28 April 2009

Conference to tackle koala recovery

The International Day for Biological Diversity, Friday 22 May 2009, will see Friends of the Koala presenting a one-day conference on koala protection and conservation issues with a Northern Rivers focus. A mix of papers and presentations by academics, a practising ecologist, an environmental lawyer, a wildlife veterinarian and researcher, and wildlife rehabilitators will set the scene for the development of an action agenda to take to all three levels of government.

Friends of the Koala President, Lorraine Vass had this to say “The Federal government’s Review of Progress in Implementing the 1998 National Koala Conservation Strategy and the State government’s Recovery Plan for the Koala, both released within the past six months are significant for their promise of a re-think in koala conservation policy. The timing is right for them to hear what those who are working with wild koalas and dealing with habitat protection every day, have to say and what actions they think governments need to take.”

The Minister for the Environment, Peter Garrett has kept the 2006 promise made by Senator Campbell to re-assess the koala, yet again, for possible listing under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. A new national conservation strategy is expected to be out on exhibition for public comment in the next few months. At the regional level Kempsey Shire Council is currently exhibiting its Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management (CKPoM) for the Eastern Portion of the Shire and both Clarence Valley and Lismore Councils have committed to pursuing the development of CKPoMs.

“A resurgence of responsibility for protecting the nation’s faunal flagship is emerging” said conference facilitator, Dr David Lloyd of Southern Cross University. “Translating it into co-ordinated and effective conservation outcomes for koala populations at the local level will require political will at all three levels of government, robust leadership and an innovative approach to resources.”

The Koala Conservation Conference will be held at the Whitebrook Theatre, Southern Cross University (Lismore Campus) on Friday 22 May 2009 starting at 9am. It will attract koala and other wildlife carers, environmental activitists, veterinarians, elected representatives, government agencies, academics and researchers, planners and other practitioners, and the interested general public.

Registration forms are available on Friends of the Koala’s website: www.friendsofthekoala.org or at the Koala Care Centre in Rifle Range Road, East Lismore. Enquiries can be directed to the President on 6629 8388.

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