Research shows that over the past 15-20 years, the koala population has fallen by as much as 26% in New South Wales. The Australian Koala Foundation estimates that only 43,000 of these bags are left at large. Before the arrival to Australia of European settlers there could be even over 10 millions of them.
Coalitions are a national treasure. It would be a shame if we did not secure the future of the Australian icon," said Gladys Berejiklian, Prime Minister of New South Wales, announcing the financial plans of her government.
The species exposed to extinction are threatened by habitat loss, climate change, dog attacks, car accidents and diseases, including chlamydiasis, which lead to blindness or infertility.
Thanks to 45 million AUD, part of the agricultural land will change its use. The money will also support research into or improvement of road marking/organisation at the so-called black spots. The authorities also mention the new hospital for baggers and the hotline for reporting urgent cases.