There has been a lot of talk in the news about the changes to the NSW koala legislation and not all of it has been clear or factual.
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To help property owners in the Gloucester region, especially those who have koalas on their properties, the Barrington Tops Green are hosting an information night Talking about Koalas.
On Tuesday May 25, community members will have an opportunity hear from koala experts and advocates, including the chair of the Parliamentary Inquiry into Koala Populations and Habitat in NSW, Cate Faehrmann.
The session is about education around the koala habitat situation in NSW, how to care for injured koalas and how to support their populations in the Gloucester region.
In June 2019, an inquiry was established to look into and report on koala populations and habitat in NSW after significant community concern was raised about the animal's future. During the inquiry, the devastating 2019-2020 bushfires hit and at least 5000 koalas were lost.
A year later, the inquiry finalised its report which covered off on everything from land management and climate change to the economic value of the species. The committee members agreed to a finding that koalas will become extinct in NSW before 2050 without urgent government intervention.
On March 8, 2021, the updated State Environmental Planning Policy (Koala Habitat Protection) 2021 was released. The policy upgrade caused major disruption in the NSW Government during the bill stage with Deputy Premier, John Barilaro taking a break from politics.
The result of Coalition's dispute saw land outside of Sydney and the Central Coast area zoned RU1 Primary Production, RU2 Rural Landscape or RU3 Forestry exempt changes.
All members of the community are encouraged to attend the information session. It will take place at the Bucketts Way Neighbourhood Group, 88 King Street, Gloucester from 6:30pm with a 7pm start on Tuesday, May 25.
RSVP's are essential for COVID-safe practices.
Please send RSVP to barringtontopsgreens@gmail.com.