The Federal Government has announced new funding for Koala conservation, however environmental experts say more action on climate change and deforestation to help the native species.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison today announced a $50 million funding package to boost the long-term protection and recovery efforts for Australia's Koalas.
Conservation bodies have welcomed the funding for the beloved animals but say it should be accompanied by a plan to address climate change and deforestation, which are the two biggest contributors to the decline in koala populations.
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"We're pleased to see the government investing in koalas and contributing to some of the key recovery actions needed to save them from extinction after the devastating 2019-20 bushfires," WWF-Australia spokesperson Tanya Pritchard said.
"This money is much needed, but without stronger laws and major landholder incentives to protect koala habitat their forest homes will continue to be bulldozed and logged.
"Koalas are the face of our forests, yet we're still clearing the habitat of many priority populations."
Ms Pritchard said additional measures to protect the koalas should be taken, including by listing them as an endangered species on Australia's east coast.
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Mr Morrison said today the government is "committed to protecting them (koalas) for generations to come".
"Our $50 million investment will enhance the protection of koalas by restoring koala habitat, improving our understanding of koala populations, supporting training in koala treatment and care, and strengthening research into Koala Health Outcomes," he said.
The $50 million investment will include $20 million towards grants for habitat and health protection projects, $10 million for community-led initiatives, $10 million for the National Koala Monitoring Program, $2 million to improve koala health outcomes and $1 million for training for veterinarians and nurses to treat koalas.
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Environment Minister Sussan Ley said the funding would also help the conservation of other native species.
"Importantly, the extra funding will build on work already happening across the koala range to restore and connect important habitat patches, control feral animal and plant species, and improve existing habitat," Minister Ley said.
The announcement comes as Mr Morrison embarks on the campaign trail through Queensland ahead of the federal election, which is expected to be held in May.
The post New $50m funding to save koalas, but wildlife body calls for more action first appeared on Indisupport.
