Environmental and conservation group Coastwatchers has successfully gained funding for the Eurobodalla Koala Habitat and Occupancy Project (“The Gilmore Project”)
Using citizen science the project will test theories about the continuing viability of koala habitat in Eurobodalla Shire - especially important now after recent bushfires.
Fiona Phillips, Member for Glimore, visited Moruya to present the funds to Coastwatchers and meet Dr Keith Jollife who will be running the project.
Dr Jollife said “Out of these ashes there’s an opportunity. Eurobodalla has a history of koalas. Back in mid 20th century they were around Moruya in reasonable numbers. But around 1967 a big fire came through and sightings have declined ever since.”
“However, in the last couple of weeks we’ve heard of 2 new sightings since the fires. One at East Lynne and one in Bodalla State forest. This is really exciting news.”
“With this grant we hope to find them and show that by preserving their habitat and thinking outside the box the social fabric and economy of this shire has all sorts of options with koalas.
“ Believe me, there’s money in koalas. We need to protect and promote them”
Fiona Phillips, Member for Glimore, visited Moruya to present the funds to Coastwatchers and meet Dr Keith Jollife who will be running the project.
Photo: Gillianne Tedder
Help build on our knowledge of koalas by reporting sightings to the following organisations:
Coastwatchers: contact@coastwatchers.org.au
National Parks: info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Forestry NSW: info@epa.nsw.gov.au
