When it comes to koalas, enough is enough, says Ricardo Lonza.
“We have lost eight koalas on Appin Road just in the past 10 weeks and between 2015 and 2018 we have lost 21 of them,’’ he says.
Lonza, a WIRES volunteer and founder of Help Save the Wildlife and Bushlands in Campbelltown, says Sunday’s rally will send a strong message that the local koala colony will disappear unless governments get serious about protecting them.
A big turnout is expected at Sunday’s rally in Oswald Oval, Rosemeadow between 10am and 2pm.
“There’s no doubt our disease free koala colony is at serious threat from overdevelopment in Campbelltown and beyond, especially on Appin Road,’’ says Mr Lonza, a Ruse resident.
“This will be a peaceful rally to be the voice for our disease free koalas,’’ he said.
“But we will be demanding that all levels of government protect the koalas of South West Sydney now.’’
Mr Lonza says measures urgently needed include wildlife exclusion fencing along both sides of Appin Road, fauna overpasses and/or underpasses at wildlife hotspots, koala grids on all driveways and road intersections entering Appin Road, and the establishment/protection of wildlife corridors between the Georges and Nepean Rivers and beyond.
“Plans are to widen Appin Road to two lanes each way, then three, in sections as and when housing developments are approved,’’ Mr Lonza said.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“The state government wants wildlife fencing along one side of Appin Road – but this would place koalas on both sides of Appin Rd at greater risk in the event of bushfire, and also cut colonies off from one another when they need genetic diversity to survive.’’[/social_quote]
Geoff Francis, conservationist and dedicated koala tracker is one of a number of experts who will be speaking at Sunday’s koala rally.
Others are Cate Ryan, a WIRES koala co-ordinator for Macarthur, Pat Durman of National Parks Association Macarthur branch, and Nea Makowski, a local environmental advocate.
MLCs Penny Sharpe and Mark Pearson, Labor MP Greg Warren, Campbelltown Greens councillor Ben Moroney and Wollondilly councillor Matthew Deeth will be speaking.
“Campbelltown koalas have been tracked over many years,’’ says Mr Lonza, who will also speak at the rally.
“Their range extends at least as far as Holsworthy and Moorebank to the north, Sutherland Shire to the east, Darkes Forest to the southeast, Appin to the south, and the Nepean River to the south west.
“Their chlamydia free status is vital for surrounding colonies and further research.
“No matter where we live – Campbelltown, Liverpool, Wollondilly and Wingecarribee Shire, or beyond – we must come together to support the koalas with one voice,’’ he said.
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A Sustainable Australia includes a sustainable #environment with healthy biodiversity.
Koalas are in danger of becoming extinct urgent action is required now