We have lived on our small farm for over 20 years and until recently had koalas visit and use the ‘koala corridor’ past our property. The previous owners resided for some 20 years and told us about the koalas prior to our purchase of the property.
Owners across the road from us have recently removed and mulched lower limbs from the gum tree corridor, presumably to let more sunlight onto their products.
Complaints to Ballina Shire Council have not been acknowledged, however, the response to our complaint our to local councillor stated that ‘eucalyptus windbreaks are not native to the plateau red soil and should not have been planted. It is a shame the koalas will suffer, but they could be relocated if the appropriate authorities were notified’.
Perhaps the development covering the red soil with black plastic and gravel, sterilising prime agricultural land in a water catchment zone is not appropriate either.
Update (evening of 15 August): I have just received an email from Council stating it does not have any say over non-urban trees now! Hope all Local Environmental Plans have been amended. Why were we not informed of this on 17 June when we notified Council of trees falling on Ellis Road by the tree-trimming neighbour? No answer from Council staff or councillors on that matter either.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
