Koala Woman Says
This electorate includes part of another iconic population, in the east of the Port Stephens Local Government Area near Nelson Bay. Despite there being a Management Plan in place, koala numbers continue to decline due to incremental development. It is only developments larger than two hectares which require Referral to the Federal Government under the EPBC Act, and most developments are smaller than this. There is no way that cumulative development can be considered – the death of a thousand cuts. Again. Community dedication has brought the koala population back from the brink of extinction, but eternal vigilance by community dedication doesn’t have the power a Koala Protection Act will.
Member for Paterson
The Hon Meryl Swanson MPAustralian Labor Party
Meryl.Swanson.MP@aph.gov.au
PO Box 156 Raymond Terrace NSW, 2324
Will she Act or Axe?
Koala Numbers
Estimated AKF Koala Population: 150-225
Estimated Koala Habitat left: 34.6%
Estimated Federal Government Population: No data. No opinion.
Listed as endangered to extinction under the EPBC Act (Feb 2022)