Koala experts from two trailblazing organisations from New South Wales and South East Queensland (SEQ) have been exchanging insights and innovation on everything from habitat restoration to weed control, vegetation types, detection dogs, and landholder engagement. Last month, the collaboration meet-up happened in the field. The NSW North Coast Local Land Services (LLS) koala team travelled to Flinders Peak, just south of Ipswich, where the South East Queensland-based Healthy Land &Water team showed them around some of the Queensland project work.

This partnership has been in full swing for four years when two major koala conservation projects on either side of the border received funding through the Australian Government’s Regional Land Partnerships initiative.

Despite operating in distinct landscapes, these two dynamic groups have discovered striking similarities alongside intriguing contrasts.

Both teams have faced their fair share of challenges, including the unforgiving forces of natural disasters and the ongoing issues with the COVID-19 pandemic. The key takeaway is that the respective collaborative community of landholders has been the backbone of the successful capacity building in the regions.

The tour given by Healthy Land & Water koala experts Dennis Gannaway and Tom Lally gave the North Coast LLS staff an insider look at how common issues are being tackled.

North Coast LLS land services officer, Asheley Goodwill said “It was a beautiful showcase of scenery, quite different to the wet sclerophyll forests between Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie where our project takes place”.

Tom Lally of Healthy Land & Water went on to say that while the landscapes, communities, and challenges have been different from the NSW experience, the path to success has been the same making the collaboration invaluable.

“We have both focussed on joining forces with passionate landholders who share our deep desire to witness koalas thrive on their properties," says Tom.

Asheley added, "Observing landholders actively participating in the projects and witnessing their genuine excitement and appreciation for habitat restoration truly makes every effort worthwhile."

Looking ahead, the groups both share their excitement at continuing their impactful collaboration with the Australian Government to secure critical investment for koala conservation in their regions. Their commitment to safeguarding these iconic Australian natives remains steadfast, as they strive to build awareness and more widespread involvement.

These projects were delivered by Local Land Services and Healthy Land & Water through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

This program is supported by Healthy Land & Water, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

Although funding for this product has been provided by both the Australian and Queensland Governments, the material contained herein does not necessarily represent the views of either Government.