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Question and Answer Tracking Details

113 - Energy and Environment - CAMPBELLTOWN KOALA COLONY

Pearson, Mark to the Special Minister of State, and Minister for the Public Service and Employee Relations, Aboriginal Affairs, and the Arts representing the Treasurer, and Minister for Energy and Environment

My question is directed to the Special Minister of State, and Minister for the Public Service and Employee Relations, Aboriginal Affairs, and the Arts, representing the Treasurer and Minister for Energy and Environment. Campbelltown's disease‑free koala colony is the last koala colony in metropolitan Sydney. It is currently facing development by Lendlease and, without intervention, is set to become extinct in the next 20 years. Given Labor has promised a koala hospital at Campbelltown, will the Minister confirm whether the Government will support Campbelltown council to fund a koala hospital, and will he provide an update on the planned upper Georges River koala national park?
Original Answer -

The Hon. DON HARWIN (Special Minister of State, and Minister for the Public Service and Employee Relations, Aboriginal Affairs, and the Arts) (12:19:38): This is a very specific question about proposed expenditure, and I will refer it to the environment Minister for a response to the honourable member as soon as possible.
Additional Answer -

The Government is not considering funding to support a koala hospital in Campbelltown at this time. The Government is committed to continuing to provide support for the wildlife rehabilitation industry in the form of training for vets and vet nurses, and training and a small grants scheme for rehabilitators.

As outlined in the exhibited draft Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan (August 2020), establishing the Georges River koala reserve is progressing as a matter of priority. While the reserve will be established over a period of years, as the strategic planning process for Western Sydney takes place, the Government is seeking to declare initial sections of the reserve under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 as soon as possible.

Question asked on 25 November 2021 (session 57-1)
Answer received on 16 December 2021

The Parliament of New South Wales acknowledges and respects the traditional lands of all Aboriginal people, and pays respects to all Elders past and present. We acknowledge the Gadigal people as the traditional custodians of the land on which the Parliament of New South Wales stands.