ONE of Gunnedah's most dedicated wildlife rescuers is urging authorities to focus on existing koala populations to help preserve the species.
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Martine Moran is calling for action in the wake of the state's recent bushfire crisis, which is feared to have claimed as many as 10,000 koalas.
The push comes after World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) conservation scientist, Dr Stuart Blanch told a state parliamentary inquiry into koalas that the species should be categorised as endangered in NSW.
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"There's no doubt koalas are teetering on the brink," Ms Moran said.
"The bushfires have certainly caused a lot of damage to koala populations and habitats.
"However, I think the drought has had just as much of an impact, especially in our region.
"If something's not done soon it may be too late to turn it around."
Dr Blanch also called for a new census of the state's koala population to establish how many have been lost.
However, Ms Moran believes resources would be better used caring for sick koalas. "To be honest, I just don't know what a census is going to do," she said.
"I understand the need to find out exactly how many were lost, but I think it could be a costly, time-consuming exercise.
"I just feel the resources that might go into that would be better served taking care of sick koalas currently in hospitals and in the care of rescuers."
The inquiry committee is due to report back its findings later this year.
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
