A Recovery Plan is being implemented in an effort to protect and assist the recovery of the Hawks Nest Tea Gardens Koala population.

In 1999 the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Koala Population was listed as endangered on the Threatened Species Conservation (TSC) Act 1995.  The TSC Act provides a framework to protect and encourage the recovery of endangered species through the development of a Recovery Plan.  As such the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) developed the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Endangered Koala Recovery Plan, which was  approved in 2004. 

 Priority actions listed within the Plan include:

• Further mapping of populations and habitat,
• Revegetation and tree planting,
• The development of a Koala sighting database,
• The preparation of local survey and assessment guidelines,
• Traffic calming and streetscaping, and
• The development of an education and awareness program. The education program has a strong community focus and aims to establish effective working partnerships between government, local businesses and the general community.

 For details of the Hawks Nest Tea Gardens Recovery Plan visit:

http://www.threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au/tsprofile/profile.aspx?id=10615

Threats to the Koalas

§ Road kills

Collision with vehicles is a significant cause of death and injury for many Koalas.  In 2006, a Koala was killed on the Myall Way west of Tea Gardens.  As more major roads have been constructed and there is increasing traffic volumes through Koala habitat this threat has increased.  Major Koala mortality black spots within the Hawks Nest/ Tea Gardens area are located at:

-   Singing Bridge over the Myall River

-   Kingfisher Avenue, Hawks Nest

-   Mermaid Avenue, Hawks Nest

§ Fire

Wildfires have the potential to kill and injure Koalas as well as modifying their habitat, removing shelter and available food resources, all of which can further increase the threat of dog attacks, poor breeding success and collisions with cars.

§ Disease

Koalas are susceptible to a Chlamydia bacteria which has been linked to stress caused by factors such as habitat clearing or disturbance.  This infection may cause infertility reducing the chances of reproduction.  There is no evidence of obvious Chlamydia effects in the Hawks Nest/ Tea Gardens population at present but continued stress would make local Koalas at very high risk form this disease and its effects.

§ Swimming pools

        Although Koalas are able to swim, backyard swimming pools present a potential threat.  If a Koala falls into a swimming pool it may be unable to climb out and may drown.

§ Habitat loss and fragmentation

Ongoing habitat loss due to an increase in development is a major threat to local koala populations. This can cause fragmentation whereby individuals may be prevented from breeding or accessing food, shelter or movement areas. Koalas have a home range or a territory. When a koala’s home trees are removed or   damaged, they cannot simply move to nearby trees as these trees may belong to another koala’s home range. Also, moving between fragmented  habitats exposes koalas to a range of other threats such as dog   attacks or car deaths.

§ Habitat degradation

The removal of under-scrub, alteration of forest structure,  weed invasion, tree dieback and altered fire regimes can degrade koala habitat and reduce their chance of survival.

§ Dog attacks

        Attacks by domestic and wild dogs are a significant cause of koala death and injury.  Many attacks occur in or near fenced yards or by roaming dogs in natural areas.  Irresponsible dog ownership can  increase the risk to koalas of dog attacks.

How you can be Koala Friendly

The way in which we live, maintain our gardens and manage properties can have a dramatic impact on the native koala population.  The following information provides some simple tips on how you can be Koala Friendly.

§ Please Drive Carefully

Lowering your speed will reduce the extent of the koalas injury if hit  and may prevent a collision occurring all together.

Recognise black spot areas including:

                        Singing Bridge over the Myall River

                        Kingfisher Avenue, Hawks Nest

                        Mermaid Avenue, Hawks Nest

        Please Note: Koalas may be encountered crossing roads anywhere in Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens. Please adhere to the 50km/h speed limit and be particularly alert for Koalas near roadsides at dusk.

§ Build a Koala Friendly Fence 

Use koala friendly fences to give koalas safe passage through the suburbs.  Koalas need something they can easily grip and climb over.  For this reason sheet metal fences prevent koalas from their natural movement between trees. To make fences koala friendly, a treated timber post may be leant against the fence on either side to allow koalas to climb over. A flat plank across the top of the fence will provide a walking platform.  Timber fence styles are easily traversed by Koalas and are therefore recommended.

Restrain dogs at all times, especially at night when Koalas are most active.  Dog owners should restrain dogs as required and at night, confine them to the veranda, a small Koala proof enclosure in the back yard, or take them into the house along with the cat.  In acreage areas dogs should be confined to smaller fenced areas near the house.

When walking dogs outside of dog exercise areas keep them on a leash and avoid bushland areas where their presence could disturb wildlife, including Koalas. Even smaller dog breeds have been known to harass, stress and injure Koalas.

 § Retain and Plant Native Vegetation

Participate in tree planting in your front or backyard, public parks, reserves etc.  Where suitable, it is beneficial to plant preferred food tree types, such as Tallowood, Greygum, Swamp Mahogony, Flooded Gum, Bangalay, Forest Red Gum, Narrow Leafed Black Peppermint, Sydney Blue Gum or Drooping Red Gum. 

However planting of any native tree or shrub species is known to aid Koalas and other urban biodiversity.

§ Sensitively Prune Existing Native Vegetation

Ensure pruning is carried out in an environmentally sensitive manner to retain as much foliage as possible and to prevent killing the plant altogether or destabilising it.  If using a contractor please ensure they are approved by the National Arborist Association (NAA).

§ Create Wildlife Corridors

Try to create a koala corridor with adjoining neighbours and parks to encourage koala movement through urban areas.

§ Sign a Landholder Property Agreement

Landholders can place all or portions of their property under a property conservation agreement. Various agreements are available,  which can be voluntary and non binding, such as Conservation Partners and Backyard Buddies Program, through to permanent conservation orders. Such agreements allow landholders access to advice, assistance or funding to protect and conserve natural habitats.  Click HERE for more info.

§ Provide an Escape From Your Pool

If you have a backyard pool remember that animals can drown too.  Provide some way in which a koala or other animal can escape should it be unlucky enough to fall in.  Leave a plank or a tied rope , with one end in the pool so that the animal has a chance of pulling itself out. Pool fencing should be of a design that prevents access by Koalas.

 § Please Refrain From Using Pesticides/Herbicides

Herbicides, pesticides and other poisons can make their way into koala food trees. Where possible, please use an environmentally friendly  alternative.

 § Join a Local Environment Group

The Myall Koala and Environment Support Group is a local  community volunteer organisation dedicated to the protection of the Hawks Nest/ Tea Gardens Koala population and general environment.  Your involvement would keep you updated on Koala issues and provide support to a worthy cause.

 § Secure Your Dogs 

Restrain dogs at all times, especially at night when Koalas are most active.  Dog owners should restrain dogs as required and at night, confine them to the veranda, a small Koala proof enclosure in the  back yard, or take them into the house along with the cat.  In acreage areas dogs should be confined to smaller fenced areas near the house.

When walking dogs outside of dog exercise areas keep them on a leash and avoid bushland areas where their presence could disturb wildlife, including Koalas.  Even smaller dog breeds have been known to harass, stress and injure Koalas.

Report Koala Sightings