$80 million is being invested by the NSW Government to protect koalas and secure their habitat in south-west Sydney.
The 2023-24 NSW Budget provides $48 million to help establish a new national park along the Georges River between Long Point and Appin, which will eventually cover up to 1830 hectares. The suburbs of Long Point, Ingleburn, Minto Heights, Kentlyn, Airds, St Helens Park, Gilead and Appin will host the new park.
The investment will accelerate the addition of more than 1000 hectares of public land to the NSW national park system within the next 3 years. The transfer and reservation of these lands will deliver long-lasting conservation benefits for Sydney's largest and one of the state's healthiest koala populations.
The NSW Government is also providing $26 million to create koala-friendly crossings in south-west Sydney. Two will allow animals to cross below Appin Road, and a third will cross a canal.
$5.7 million will go towards koala care in the Macarthur area, to look after local populations of the iconic animal.
This $80 million dollar package for koalas in south-west Sydney is part of the new $172 million investment by the NSW Government for the conservation of koalas in the wild.
Quote attributable to Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe:
"Koalas are Australia's most iconic animal and need connected habitat to have any future in Sydney.
"The NSW Government is delivering on its commitment to protect koala habitat in the city's south-west, which is home to the only disease-free koala population in the Sydney basin.
"Establishing a national park and putting more money into infrastructure to keep koalas safe around roads will ensure generations to come will still be able to see koalas in the wild."
Quote attributable to Member for Macquarie Fields Anoulack Chanthivong:
"I'm proud to be part of a government taking action to protect and conserve the healthy koala population in our region. This is a special part of our community and it's something worth safeguarding for the future.
"We're acting on our commitment to the environment and to keeping our koalas safe, healthy and protected."
Quote attributable to Member for Campbelltown Greg Warren:
"Koalas are a much-loved part of the Campbelltown community. I know local conservation organisations have been concerned about this population, and today's announcement gives them and the rest of the community confidence.
"Investing in road crossings and securing habitat is a win for the conservation of koalas. Once they're gone, they're gone forever, and we're taking action now to save them."
Quote attributable to Member for Camden Sally Quinnell:
"The NSW Budget commitment to create a national park in and around Camden will go a long way to securing our koala population and the green spaces they rely on.
"It will reduce fragmentation of bushland, allowing them to move freely along the edge of the Georges River."
