Eastern Koala

The Eastern koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), found primarily in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria, is facing severe population declines due to habitat loss, disease (notably chlamydia), vehicle collisions, dog attacks, and climate change. The species is listed as Endangeredunder Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act (2022). Conservation projects focus on habitat restoration, genetic health, disease management, and community engagement.

Key Projects Protecting the Eastern Koala

1. Australian Government – National Koala Recovery Plan (2022–2032)

  • A comprehensive national framework led by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).
  • Aims to stabilize and increase koala populations across eastern Australia through coordinated action.
  • Key priorities include:
    • Habitat protection and restoration in key landscapes.
    • Reducing vehicle strikes and dog attacks through infrastructure design and community awareness.
    • Improving disease management, especially chlamydia vaccination and treatment.
    • Monitoring populations using drones, acoustic sensors, and genetic tools.
  • Supported by the $76 million Koala Conservation and Protection Packageannounced in 2022.

2. Koala Conservation and Protection Package (Australia-wide)

  • A federal funding initiative supporting on-ground conservation in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria.
  • Components include:
    • $20 million for habitat restoration and tree planting in priority koala regions.
    • $10 million for koala health research, including chlamydia vaccine trials.
    • $10 million for community projects and wildlife hospitals.
    • National Koala Monitoring Program to track population trends using standardized methods.
  • Partners include universities, state governments, and local councils.

3. NSW Koala Strategy (2022–2026)

  • A $190 million state-level program by the New South Wales Government, the largest single investment in koala conservation in Australia.
  • Focus areas:
    • Securing and restoring 47,000 hectares of koala habitat.
    • Establishing wildlife corridors to connect fragmented populations.
    • Supporting koala rehabilitation centersand rescue networks.
    • Researching genetics and disease management to improve resilience.
  • Implemented in collaboration with Local Land Services, Taronga Conservation Society, and community groups.

4. Queensland Koala Conservation Strategy (2020–2025)

  • Led by the Queensland Department of Environment and Science (DES).
  • Focuses on habitat protection, urban planning reform, and population monitoring.
  • Key actions include:
    • Koala Priority Areas (KPAs) and Koala Conservation Areas (KCAs) designated for strict habitat protection.
    • Koala-safe road crossings and fencing projects in urban growth zones.
    • Statewide koala mapping using satellite imagery and citizen science data.
    • Partnerships with councils to integrate koala conservation into local planning schemes.

5. Koala Health Hub – University of Sydney

  • A leading research and veterinary center dedicated to koala health and disease management.
  • Conducts diagnostic testing, chlamydia vaccine trials, and rehabilitation support for wildlife hospitals.
  • Provides training and resources to veterinarians and carers across eastern Australia.
  • Collaborates with Taronga Conservation Society, Australian Museum, and state wildlife agencies.

6. Taronga Conservation Society – Koala Conservation Program

  • Operates Taronga Zoo Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo, both key centers for koala breeding, research, and rehabilitation.
  • Focuses on:
    • Captive breeding programs to support wild population recovery.
    • Chlamydia vaccine development in partnership with the University of Sydney.
    • Habitat restoration projects in western NSW.
    • Community education to promote coexistence with urban koalas.

7. Friends of the Koala (Lismore, NSW)

  • One of Australia’s most active community-based koala rescue and rehabilitation organizations.
  • Operates a wildlife hospital treating over 400 koalas annually.
  • Runs habitat restoration projects and tree planting programs across the Northern Rivers region.
  • Works with NSW Government, WWF-Australia, and local councils to expand safe habitats.

8. WWF-Australia – Regenerate Australia: Koalas Forever Program

  • A flagship initiative under WWF’s Regenerate Australia campaign.
  • Aims to double the number of wild koalas in eastern Australia by 2050.
  • Key components:
    • Restoring 2 billion trees across koala habitats.
    • Supporting koala hospitals and rescue networks.
    • Developing wildlife corridors between fragmented forests.
    • Advocating for stronger land-clearing laws and climate action.
  • Partners with Friends of the Koala, Greening Australia, and Bush Heritage Australia.

Supporting Organizations

  • Australian Government (DCCEEW)
  • Queensland Department of Environment and Science (DES)
  • NSW Department of Planning and Environment
  • Koala Health Hub – University of Sydney
  • Taronga Conservation Society Australia
  • WWF-Australia
  • Friends of the Koala (NSW)
  • Greening Australia
  • Bush Heritage Australia

The Broader Mission
Conservation of the Eastern koala is being advanced through a combination of national and state strategies, scientific research, and grassroots rehabilitation efforts. Programs like the National Koala Recovery Plan, NSW Koala Strategy, and WWF’s Koalas Forever integrate habitat restoration, health management, and community involvement. These coordinated projects aim to reverse population decline and ensure the long-term survival of one of Australia’s most iconic species.