The NSW Government committed to restore 20,000 hectares of koala habitat by 2026 under the NSW Koala Strategy. Areas of Regional Koala Significance (ARKS) have been identified as priority koala populations. Envite delivered koala habitat restoration across the Northern Rivers, Clarence and Coffs Harbour and Nambucca ARKS.

An Expression of Interest process engaged 16 private landholders committed to assisting recovery of koalas and biodiversity conservation.

• Assisted natural regeneration was carried out over 232 ha.
• Revegetation extended koala habitat over 9.8 ha (800 trees).
• Fencing extended along 1.4km protecting koala habitat from cattle access.

Weeds, such as lantana and cat’s claw creeper, had degraded koala habitat and restricted access to food trees and movement across the landscape. Envite bush regenerators systematically controlled weeds assisting regeneration and growth of native plants in place of weeds. Fencing was constructed on two properties to prevent cattle from degrading koala habitat.

Private landholders made significant contribution to project long term success through funding most of the fence construction costs, assisting with site access, additional weed control and planting additional trees to form future koala habitat in adjoining areas. All landholders are committed to maintaining works beyond the end of the project. Monitoring has been undertaken at the sites to measure the success of weed control.

Results demonstrate effectiveness of works in restoration of koala habitat. Landholder, wrote: “The place is looking wonderful and the forest so natural, in part due to your organisation’s efforts. Thank you”

Supported by NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment, and Water