Koalas are in crisis with two more dead from car strikes in the last week on Bangalow Road. One was killed on Friday near the Byron Bay Golf Corse and a big male at Eureka on Tuesday.
‘Both were killed by car strikes and once again Friends of the Koalas are been inundated with calls,’ said president of Bangalow Koalas Linda Sparrow.
‘After Friday’s call I immediately started up a personal fundraiser on my personal Facebook account and shared onto Bangalow Koalas for money to buy more koala road signage. I’m trying to raise funds to purchase 30 signs for Byron, Lismore and Ballina shires.
‘We went through this last year and it was carnage. We need people to slow down in known koala areas hence the signage.’ Said Linda passionately.
As more people move to coastal areas there is more housing, road building and improvements and events that severely impact on the habitat for native species including the koala. Predictions are that without dramatic action to preserve koala habitat, reduce the impact of animals like dogs that hunt and kill koalas and the climate emergency; that koalas will be extinct in NSW by 2050 with some scientists saying that they are already functionally extinct.
Tree planting
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and Bangalow Koalas are working together to identify koala corridors and improve their chances of survival with tree planting and the next event is this Saturday 29 June at 199 Myocum Road, Ewingsdale 9 – 11am.
‘The loss and fragmentation of safe and secure habitats is one of the major threats facing koalas today,’ Rebecca Keeble, IFAW Regional Director commented.
‘Finding an all-encompassing solution may seem insurmountable, but by partnering with Bangalow Koalas, IFAW is in a position to shine an international spot light on this global icon, while helping to build koala connectivity in the Northern Rivers region. Time and time again, we’ve seen incredible community will to find a long term to solution to protect these koalas, and we are delighted to be able to be part of the solution.’
They are asking the community to join them to plant another 1,500 koala trees on a property in Ewingsdale, that will link up to Coolamon Scenic Drive, a vital pathway for Byron koalas.
‘Both Bangalow Koalas and IFAW believe that every animal is worth saving, you save one koala and you’re helping to safeguard the colony. And we are not the only ones who believe this. Community support and action has made every one of our tree planting events a success – everyone can really make a difference to the short and long-term plight of koalas,’ said Ms Sparrow.
‘It’s a case of the community just rolling up their sleeves and doing something proactive. So if you want to make a real difference and be part of the solution, please join us on Saturday, it’s a great family event, where everyone can get involved. We hope to see you there.’
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