A Gunnedah koala carer has welcomed the news that a parliamentarian inquiry will examine koala population and habitat in NSW.
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WIRES' Martine Moran said it was important to keep koalas at the forefront of government discussions.
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"Something has to be done and it has to be done soon because of the amount of habitat loss in recent times and potentially the population decline, and they need to find out," she said.
Gunnedah is among the towns that can make a submission to be involved in the inquiry, which has been established by the Upper House.
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Committee chairwoman Cate Faehrmann MLC said there were "grave concerns for the welfare of koala in NSW" and an "effective policy framework" could help to ensure "healthy, sustainable koala populations into the future".
"The inquiry will look into the current status of koala populations and their habitat and will focus on the impacts and effectiveness of existing policies relating to land management reform, forestry and the environment," Ms Faehrmann said.
"Through this inquiry, the committee aims to identify key areas of koala habitat, areas at risk from threats including logging and clearing and impacts that climate change could have on koalas and koala distribution.
"The committee will visit various areas, speak with local communities and experts about the plight of koalas and identify how to ensure their welfare and survival."