Hastings Landcare, The Nature School, National Parks, Koala Conservation Australia and the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water came together for a community planting day that saw 300 koala food and shelter trees planted to strengthen habitat and support natural regeneration.
The planting included key koala feed and habitat species such as grey gum, tallowwood and forest red gum. Understory species were also planted to create a health forest structure. The planting will improve habitat connectivity and bolster the existing natural regeneration that has occurred on the site over the last 18 months.
The restoration site is situated on National Parks & Wildlife land at the The Ruins Way, Port Macquarie. It was acquired to support long-term conservation outcomes for koalas and other native wildlife, is now being rehabilitated through a shared effort involving environmental organisations, educators, government partners and community participants. The planting day reflected a collaborative response to habitat loss and landscape fragmentation, with each partner contributing to the long-term restoration of the site.
Koala Conservation Australia, Louise Hoade says, “During the site preparation stage we were excited to sight a koala right next to our planting site and we would expect our koalas to be able to use the trees with 6-10 years”.
National Parks & Wildlife Services Libby Jude says, “This planting will turn a very narrow wildlife corridor into a robust habitat where koalas can live and travel safely through”.
Landcare Representative Stephen Allwood says, “When schools, conservation organisations and government partners work together on the ground, we can make a real difference for the future of koala habitat in our region”.
Nature School teacher Jess Agnello says, “For our students, being part of this planting day was a powerful way to connect learning with real-world action. It gave them the chance to care for the environment in a hands-on way. The site is also on the way to school so students can watch the trees grow over time.”
The project highlights the value of collaboration in restoring degraded habitat and creating healthier landscapes for native wildlife. It also reinforces the importance of community-led action in protecting koalas. This project was supported by NSW Government under the NSW Koala Strategy.
Plantings one month on😁Only one replacement required
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