Koala Koalition EcoNetwork Port Stephens
Koala Koalition was formed in June 2021 in response to the growing need for a strong voice to advocate for better protection for koalas in Port Stephens and neighbouring LGAs. It operates as a Special Interest Group within EcoNetwork Port Stephens.
The members of this alliance, comprising groups and individuals, are committed to working collaboratively with local councils, landholders, environment groups and other stakeholders to ensure that strategies such as the Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management (CKPoM) are actively used to address and rectify the plight of koalas in our region.
Similar groups exist in other parts of NSW and Australia where advocacy and on ground actions, such as protection of habitat and corridors through private properties, have had great success.
Goal
To protect and grow the koala population in Port Stephens, with the understanding that the koala is a flagship species.
Objectives
To harness the knowledge of organisations and individuals wanting to ensure the survival of Port Stephens’ koalas.
To identify legislative/policy restraints and contradictions to real protections, and lobby for improvement.
To develop a comprehensive understanding of our koala population/s, their movements and remnant habitat through the collation of data and research, and identify gaps in information.
To develop effective submission writing, policy development and lobbying based on reliable research and data.
To improve community knowledge and engagement.
Strategies
Identify corridors to be protected, and facilitate and lobby for the protection of the land parcels within the corridors.
Build relationships with stakeholders, including researchers and land managers, and encourage their involvement in the Koalition.
Support a review and update Port Stephens Council Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management.
Promote the tourism and monetary value of koalas and our natural environment.
Write submissions to relevant proposed legislative changes and developments.
Utilise contacts to lobby and media to educate and mobilise support.
Contact
For further information about KKEPS or to register interest in our group, please contact Carmel Northwood, Convenor at koalakoalition@econetworkps.org
2023 media releases and submissions:
- KKEPS Submission – 23 Port Stephens Dr, Anna Bay 2316 NSW (LOT: 1 DP: 521177) DA (16 – 2023 – 178 – 1)
- KKEPS Submission – 5 Koala Place, Boat Harbour – venue change from tourist accommodation to function centre.
2022 media releases and submissions:
- KKEPS Submission – Kings Hill – Concept Development Application for Residential Subdivision – Dec 2022
- Tree Vandalism Policy KKEPS submission – Nov 2022
- Martins Creek Quarry – KKEPS submission to Independent Planning Commission
- KKEPS Submission – 4499 Nelson Bay Rd
- KEPPS Submission – 509 Gan Gan Road
- NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into Speed limits and road safety in regional NSW
- Great Koala Protected Area Bill letter to MLC – March 2022
- 792 Seaham Rd submission – March 2022
- Media release koala listing and Kings Hill – February 2022
- Submission: Eco-tourist facility, 58 Gan Gan Rd – February 2022
- Deep Creek Quarry response – January 2022
- Helipad proposal submission – January 2022
- Salamander Shores/Bannisters redevelopment – January 2022
- Cumulative Impact Assessments crucial to Koala survival – Media Release – January 2022
2021 media releases and submissions:
- Ingenia to improve koala corridor – Media Release – 10 December 2021
- Koala Koalition welcomes further scientific review of Kings Hill ‘new town’ at Raymond Terrace – Media Release – November 2021
- Ingenia’s plan to halt the movement of koalas on the Tomaree Peninsula – October 2021
- Critical pinch point for koalas needs protection – Media Release – October 2021
- Five reasons why the Planning Panel should refer the Kings Hill DA to Environment, Energy and Science (EES) for consideration – October 2021
- National Koala Recovery Plan – September 2021
- Singleton Redbank Power station (EcoNetwork) submission – September 2021
- Inquiry into the Integrity of the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme to NSW Parliament – August 2021
- Tomaree Biodiversity Corridor letter to Matt Kean – August 2021
- M1 Extension through Raymond Terrace and Heatherbrae – August 2021
- Kings Hill VPA – August 2021
- Commonwealth Koala Listing – July 2021
- Martins Creek Railway Ballast Quarry expansion by Daracon submission – July 2021