NSW Koala Strategy

The actions set out in the strategy work towards the long-term goal of doubling koala numbers in NSW by 2050. These actions work together to secure habitat, support local conservation, reduce threats, and improve our knowledge.

The strategy focuses action under 4 pillars:

1. koala habitat conservation
2. supporting local communities to conserve koalas
3. improving the safety and health of koalas
4. building our knowledge of koalas.

More than $190 million is committed from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2026 to deliver the targeted conservation actions that the strategy sets out.

The strategy is being delivered, in part, by grants.

The strategy targets investment in priority koala populations

The strategy identifies 50 koala populations in NSW based on the Areas of Regional Koala Significance (ARKS) identified by the NSW Government, noting that koalas are also found outside these areas.

These 50 koala populations have been prioritised in 2 intervention categories:

• 19 populations for immediate investment
• 31 populations with key knowledge gaps.

Investment under the strategy is focused on the 19 koala populations because there is a good understanding of population size and distribution, habitat values and the nature and intensity of threats.

Eligibility and assessment

Grant funding is provided to local councils, land managers, koala rehabilitators, community organisations, local Aboriginal groups, communities, business and industry and the research sector who are delivering koala conservation actions under the strategy.

Grants awarded must contribute to the actions and overall objective of the strategy.

The strategy is available at: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/koala

Applications for this grant are not being accepted.

This program is funded and administered by Environment and Heritage.