New draft Victorian Koala Management Strategy released

The Victorian Government has today released a new draft Victorian Koala Management Strategy to ensure the long-term protection and survival of Victoria’s koalas and their habitat.

Based on the best available science, the draft strategy will guide how koalas in Victoria will be conserved into the future − outlining ongoing actions to ensure their security, sustainability and health.

Since the previous 2004 strategy was released, new issues impacting koalas have emerged and others have become more significant, including climate change, genetic diversity and extreme bushfires.

Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio advises “Koalas are one of our most loved species, known all over the world over as a symbol of Australia’s unique wildlife. This strategy will guide how we conserve and manage Victoria’s koalas into the future.

“This is an opportunity for the Victorian community to have their say and make sure our koala populations and their habitat, are healthy and resilient for future generations.”

The strategy was developed by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, in collaboration with Traditional Owners, scientists, animal welfare organisations, wildlife carers, the blue gum plantation industry, veterinarians and other government agencies from Victoria and interstate.

Estimates from the first state-wide koala abundance model, which was developed by scientists from the Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, are also reflected in the draft strategy.

The model estimates a state-wide koala population of 460,000, with an estimated 413,000 koalas in native forest and woodland and a further 47,000 koalas in eucalypt plantations.

Koalas have recently been listed as endangered in the Queensland, the ACT and NSW but are not threatened in Victoria.

To view the draft strategy or provide feedback visit engage.vic.gov.au/VKMS.