Work on a new koala reserve is to get underway in Western Sydney following a land transfer from the Office of Strategic Lands to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Welcoming the news, Minister for Planning, Anthony Roberts said the 54-hectare transfer for the new Georges River Koala Reserve would strengthen species numbers and deliver positive environmental benefits.
“The Macarthur region is home to a growing koala population in New South Wales, and this transfer builds on that, helping boost their habitat while also facilitating an important movement corridor which extends through to the Southern Highlands,” Mr Roberts said.
“The Reserve is part of the wider Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan – a once-in-a-generation commitment to protect south-west Sydney’s rich environmental assets and koala population, while providing certainty for investment in a growing part of Sydney,” he said.
“Once completed, the reserve will give local communities access to nature-based recreation.”
Mr Roberts said the new Reserve would also present potential opportunities for educational activities and koala-based tourism.
Minister for Environment, James Griffin said the transfer of land to the national park estate was good news for koalas and other species that co-existed with them.
“This 54 hectares of land is the first instalment in creating the Georges River Koala Reserve, which will help protect a critical koala colony by providing corridors for koalas and other animals to move between Long Point and Appin,” Mr Griffin said.
“Once fully established, the Reserve will protect up to 1,830 hectares of koala habitat and wildlife corridors in perpetuity,” he said.
