Friends of the Koala, Inc.

MEDIA RELEASE

18 May 2008

Lismore’s Koalas set to lose out again

At a time when most in the community realise the value of protecting and enhancing trees and tree cover in our towns and villages, the majority of Lismore’s councillors seem hell-bent on removing the first line of defence for our urban koalas, its own development control plan to preserve trees.

“It is with good reason that a major objective of Lismore’s Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is to protect and enhance fauna habitat and corridors,” said Friends of the Koala President, Lorraine Vass. “Lismore is one of a handful of cities in the state to have retained its wild koala population. Many residents literally live with koalas in their backyards. How wonderfully privileged we are, but for how much longer?” she asked.

The TPO is a vital line of protection for koalas and other native fauna because it requires a tree removal proposal to be considered within a wide range of environmental factors by an officer qualified to make the assessment.

“We all know there are a few people who will chainsaw anything rooted in the ground” Mrs Vass said. “The TPO, difficult as it is to police, serves as a deterrent to such recalcitrants. On the other hand, explanation of the extent of a tree’s value can be a seminal moment for some residents.”

“Repealing the TPO even on a trial basis, will inevitably result in the loss of some koala habitat. Most urban koalas, whether they range through Lismore or through the local government area’s villages, are surviving in habitat which is already degraded. Thus, every tree used by a koala or any other native species is precious,” Mrs Vass said.

Media contacts:

President: Lorraine Vass – 6629 8388
Trees Officer: Mark Wilson - 0413 339 554

Friends of the Koala, PO Box 5034, East Lismore NSW 2480

Care Centre, Rifle Range Road, Lismore NSW 2480.

Volunteers working for koala rescue and rehabilitation • advocacy • education • environmental repair

DEC licence: 10066