Koala relocation plans abandoned
Possible plans to relocate koalas to the National Park surrounding Pearl Beach have been abandoned.
The Department of Planning and Environment has advised the Pearl Beach Arboretum association that Brisbane Water National Park was no longer being considered for "koala translocation".
Pearl Beach Patonga Koala and Native Bee group convenor Ms Ann Parsons said it was sad news, after three years of work.
"The University of Sydney, Central Coast Council and Brisbane Water National Park have done a lot of work on this project already," she said.
"The University of Sydney has been informed not to continue work.
"The University has gathered a lot of information and will prepare a report on what was found.
"Central Coast Council is completing some song meter surveys, with an aim to complete around 30 sites this year.
"Based on discussions with the NSW Koala Team, it is unlikely that there is any spare funding within the NSW Koala Strategy to fund further work.
"I'm personally extremely disappointed with this outcome," said Ms Parsons.
The Department has also decided that the Royal National Park will no longer be considered for translocation.
Coolah Tops National Parks near Merriwa is still being considered.
Crommelin Native Arboretum secretary Ms Mary Knaggs said the Arboretum thanked Ms Parsons, its immediate past vice-president, "for all her hard work".
"We know Ann is extremely disappointed."
Ms Knaggs said the Arboretum also applauded "the considerable work" that the University of Sydney, Central Coast Council and Brisbane Water National Park have already done on this project.
"Let's hope decisions can be revisited in the future," she said.
"In the meantime, keep your dogs out of the National Park and the Arboretum.
"They are the biggest danger to our native fauna."
SOURCE:
Social media, 14 Nov 2022
Ann Parsons, Pearl Beach Patonga Koala and Native Bee group