Koala Conservation and Management in SA

Consultation has concluded

About


Although this consultation has closed, work is still underway. You can find out about the next steps here.

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How should we conserve and manage koalas in South Australia? A draft strategy has been created and we want your feedback on whether we've got it right.

Koalas are protected under state legislation and so is much of the landscape in which they live. It's important that we deliver a strategy that protects both our koalas and protects our environment, providing food and shelter for koalas and other native animals.

The strategy aims to:

About


Although this consultation has closed, work is still underway. You can find out about the next steps here.

_____________________________________

How should we conserve and manage koalas in South Australia? A draft strategy has been created and we want your feedback on whether we've got it right.

Koalas are protected under state legislation and so is much of the landscape in which they live. It's important that we deliver a strategy that protects both our koalas and protects our environment, providing food and shelter for koalas and other native animals.

The strategy aims to:

  • reduce the number the negative impacts that over-abundant koala populations may have on broader ecological communities
  • safeguard the welfare of the koalas themselves; and
  • increase the social, educational and economic benefits from having koalas in South Australia.

In 2012 the people of South Australia took part in the world’s first Great Koala Count. Those who took part in this ground-breaking project told us what they thought about koalas and where they could be found. They also told us what they thought should happen with them. Koala experts, scientists, researchers, vets, wildlife carers, koala keepers and other specialists have provided lots of information and advice on koala’s health status and captive care needs.

From all of that, this draft Strategy was created. And we now want to know … did we get it right?

Have your say

We want your feedback on the draft strategy document. To have your say:

  1. Download the draft strategy document (PDF, 1.1MB)
  2. Comment in the survey below

Does the draft strategy represent what you think about koalas and what you want to see happen to them? Does it provide the right level of guidance for what can be done where koalas are over-abundant, sick, injured or orphaned? Do you support the proposed actions on how to reduce the number of koalas being bitten by dogs or hit by cars?

By commenting, you'll be helping the Government get this strategy right.

Survey

Can't view the survey? Click here



Background


Read the Draft Strategy Document (PDF, 1.1MB)

Take the survey

Consultation has concluded

  • Outcome

    On 20 July 2016 Hon Ian Hunter MLC, SA Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation released the South Australian Koala Conservation and Management Strategy (PDF, 1.3MB). The Strategy has been developed following considerable community and expert consultation. The Minister said that koalas are one of our most-loved native species. The completed strategy outlines the Government’s approach to koala conservation and management, sets goals and guides actions to:


    • safeguard the welfare of koalas in SA
    • increase the social, educational and economic benefits of having koalas in South Australia by promoting opportunities to develop unique visitor experiences, strengthen private sector partnerships and optimise research initiatives, and
    • reduce the negative impacts that over-abundant koala populations may have on their habitat.

    The strategy will help protect koalas from threats such as traffic, dogs, disease, bushfires and reduced food quality due to global warming. It will also promote opportunities to develop unique visitor experiences, strengthen private sector partnerships and optimise research initiatives.

    For the community consultation on Koala Conservation and Management in SA, alongside the general discussion we provided a survey to help understand what people thought about the strategy and where improvements could be made. Here are some of the preliminary statistics that we have pulled out of the survey results:

    • 429 people took part and completed the online survey.
    • Responses were received from all over South Australia and also from Queensland, NSW and Victoria.
    • The majority of people who completed the survey (90.9%) said that they thought that the strategy was a good first step in the right direction.
    • Most people (72.3%) could also see ways in which they could help to achieve the strategy goals.
    • Some people (37.6%) identified issues that they thought were missing from the strategy, which they consider need to be added.

    All of the survey results, comments and written submissions are now being reviewed by DEWNR and a post-consultation report is being prepared. A criteria has been developed, and will be applied to analyse all submissions to determine whether or not the draft Strategy should be amended before a final copy is provided to the Minister for consideration.

    Thanks again for your interest in the Koala Conservation and Management draft strategy.