
Koala Woman Says
This electorate has been extensively cleared for agriculture and so remaining Koala populations are along the Murray River at Cobram in the Barmah Forest and at Nagambie on the Goulburn River. The AKF has done some research here in a vineyard surrounded by significant koala habitat, and the eucalypts were already showing damage as a result of long-term drought and higher temperatures, especially along roads which supply the only habitat connectivity in the electorate. Some researchers suggest that, in as little as 30 years, koalas won’t be able to eat those trees because of changes in leaf chemistry. The trees might still be there, but Koalas won’t be able to use them. Alarmingly, Koalas were regularly seen along the Goulburn River as far north as Shepparton, but in the last few years habitat occupancy has contracted 50% southwards so that Koalas are now mostly found around Seymour.
Member for Nicholls
Mr Sam Birrell MP
The Nationals
Sam.Birrell.MP@aph.gov.au
426 Wyndham Street Shepparton VIC 3630
Will he Act or Axe?


Koala Numbers
Estimated AKF Koala Population: 300 – 500
Estimated Koala Habitat left: 32.4%
Estimated Federal Government Population: 20,000-35,000
The Victorian Government opposed the protection of the koala and there is no Federal protective legislation in place.