Inquiry comes to the Koala Capital to investigate Gunnedah population decline

Gunnedah proudly claims the title of Koala Capital; however, like much of the state, koala populations have been in rapid decline.

The NSW Upper House inquiry aims to find out why there has been a steep decline in numbers and what needs to be done to conserve remaining populations.

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Greens politician Cate Faehrmann is spearheading the inquiry and will visit farmers in Breeza to inspect the koala habitat on their properties, and discuss the patterns of koala movement across farmland between forests.

"The inquiry will hear evidence from local experts and landholders on the rapid decline of koala populations in the New England region, and the threats to koalas from climate change, land clearing and mining," she said.

"New England's koalas were once a healthy and growing population; it is vital that we understand the reasons behind their decline and that the government takes up recommendations to stop the loss of koalas in this region."

The threat to local koala populations by the proposed Shenhua coal mine will also be discussed.

The NVI understands Shenhua has been invited to speak at the hearing, but it is unconfirmed if the company will attend.

Tamworth ecologist Phil Spark is among the dozen local experts to speak before the inquiry.

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He's been studying koala decline in the state's west, and says koalas are locally extinct in Walgett, Lightning Ridge and the Pilliga.

"The big issues is that there is a front [of local koala extinction] moving from the west towards the east," Mr Spark said.

"There's always been a fear that this summer, without any rain, will be the tipping point for a lot of areas still hanging in there."

Maules Creek CWA president Libby Laird said the inquiry was "very timely".

"We're interested in shining a light on some of the things going on in our region, particularly with the koala population in the Leard State Forest," Ms Laird said.

"I think there is a misunderstanding by the government that you can just tell koalas where to live.

"You can't just plonk a mine in the middle of their habitat, then create environmental offsets for them. It doesn't work like that; you have to live with them."