New research highlights role of Local Councils in protecting koalas
Australians love koalas and many assume laws are doing enough to protect them. But new CQUniversity research suggests some of the biggest opportunities to safeguard the iconic species may lie close to home, in the decisions made by local councils and communities.
Published in the Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy, the study examined five New South Wales Koala Plans of Management (KPoMs) and found local planning and governance play a vital role in protecting koalas and their habitats.
Lead author and CQUniversity researcher Dr Alexandra McEwan said wildlife protection laws are important, however, many Australians assume that because we have laws in place to protect koalas, those laws are effective.
“Unfortunately, koalas face a wide range of serious threats, including habitat loss, vehicle strikes, dog attacks and bushfires, so we need a multi pronged approach,” Dr McEwan said..
“Most of these threats are caused directly by human activities, which means local decision-making can have a major impact on whether koala populations decline, survive or recover.”
The research team assessed the five plans against landscape approach principles: ecosystem integrity, effective planning, and strong governance. These principles are embedded in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, a United Nations document that provides international guidance on protecting biodiversity.
The study found all five KPoMs recognised the need to conserve and reconnect koala habitat, while identifying opportunities to strengthen conservation efforts through greater community participation, citizen science programs and new technologies.
Dr McEwan said councils are on the frontline of koala conservation.
“Local councils make decisions every day that influence koala survival, from habitat rehabilitation and land-use planning to local laws governing responsible dog ownership,” she said.
“Our research highlights the important contribution local planning and decision-making makes to koala protection and identifies opportunities to make these plans even more effective.”
Co-author Dr Rolf Schlagloth said KPoMs are a way to help bring councils, communities and other stakeholders together around a shared goal.
“We don't just want koalas to survive, we want them to thrive,” Dr Schlagloth said.
“A KPoM is more than a policy document. It sets out a roadmap for how communities, councils and other stakeholders can work together to protect koalas and their habitat.”
The researchers said improving avenues for community participation could also help councils develop a better understanding of local koala populations and the threats they face.
Dr Schlagloth said local communities were an essential part of the solution.
“Citizen science projects and new technologies can help improve our understanding of local koala populations while giving people a chance to contribute directly to conservation efforts,” he said.
“That involvement not only improves decision-making, it also helps build a sense of stewardship for local ecosystems and the myriad wildlife species that depend on them.”
The study also highlighted the importance of treating KPoMs as living documents that can be regularly updated to reflect new evidence about koala populations, their health, and emerging threats.
Dr McEwan said keeping koalas on the public and policy agenda is critical.
“Koalas face multiple serious risks that threaten their long-term survival. It is important that we keep reminding decision-makers of that reality,” she said.
“Strong local planning, ongoing community involvement, and First Nations knowledge and leadership are all important in securing a better future for koalas.”
The researchers hope the framework developed through the study will help councils across Australia strengthen biodiversity planning and support decisions making to protect koalas and other native species.
