The $95,000 program is funded by the state government’s Save Our Species program, and will allow landholders to plant a variety of trees in koala hot spots.

Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson was on hand to launch the program, along with Landcare members and landholders.

“It is fantastic to see such strong support from Gunnedah’s landholders for our native wildlife,” Mr Anderson said. 

“I congratulate them for taking part in this project and doing their bit to help our wildlife and environment.”

Save Our Species team leader David Walker said the program will help koalas move more safely.

“Koalas move around quite a lot and quite quickly,” Mr Walker said.

“This particular treeline on the property of Mark and Pip Baker will link up with the trees on the side of Quia Road and the ridge of trees on their property.

“Hopefully by having a consistent treeline for them to use koalas will be less inclined to go near the road, which in turn will make moving around a lot safer for them.”

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Program landholder, Pip Baker said offering land for the planting of trees is the least she can do.

“Trees are just so critical to animals, the climate, everything,” Mrs Baker said.

“At the end of the day sacrificing a small part of grazing land to help our wildlife is a small price to pay.”

Mr Walker said planting of the trees will begin later this year. 

“When we start planting has a lot to do with weather and when it starts raining, but I expect to see some trees planted later this year,” he said.