Our local koalas
Koalas were once common in the Kempsey region, featuring in local Indigenous law and legend. The place name Yarrahapinni comes from ‘yarra’, the Thunggutti/Dunghutti word for ‘koala’.
In 2022, koalas were officially listed as an endangered species. Severe droughts that occurred prior to 2019, followed by the 2019/2020 bushfires had a major impact on the already declining koala populations. Until thorough scientific surveys on how many koalas are left are completed, how many remain is still really unknown.
A large proportion of the Hastings-Macleay region has been mapped as an ‘area of regional koala significance’ under the NSW Government’s Saving our Species program. This area stretches from Crescent Head in the north, to Dunbogan in the south. The rich soils of the coastal floodplain support koala populations.
At least four genetically different koala populations live in the Hastings-Macleay region. Genetic diversity is critical to the survival of koalas, as populations show different levels of resistance to disease.
Importantly, the NSW Government's Koala Strategy has identified Crescent Head as one of ten stronghold koala populations. Stronghold populations are significant as some support very large populations of koalas, while others represent areas that are likely to be important refuge areas for climate change.
Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management
To protect our koala populations, Kempsey Shire Council created the Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management in 2011. This aims to manage and plan for koalas in the eastern part of Kempsey Shire on a larger scale.
The Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management focuses on conserving the natural habitat of koalas and addressing the threats they face. It ensures that koala conservation and management are integrated into the local government planning processes. This means that if anyone submits a proposal or application for development that involves removing native vegetation within the Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management area, they must refer to the Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management. They need to determine which provisions of the plan apply to their proposed development.
In summary, the Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management is a strategic approach to safeguarding koalas and their habitat. It guides development activities in the designated area, ensuring that proper consideration is given to koala conservation and management during the planning process.