5 November, 2011
Friends of the Koala Inc wins state environment award
A Lismore-based group dedicated to protecting koalas has shared the NSW Nature Conservation Council’s (NCC) annual award for an outstanding environment group.
Friends of the Koala Inc shared the award with Lane Cove Bushland and Conservation Society Inc at the 2012 NSW Environment Awards, which were presented at the NCC’s annual conference at Sydney University on Saturday, October 27.
NCC CEO Pepe Clarke said the Friends of the Koala Inc had been fighting for koala protection long before the species it was listed as vulnerable by the Federal Government.
“Since its inception in 1986, the group has campaigned vigorously for better protection for the koala,” he said.
“Major campaigns this year were directed at Lismore Council’s Comprehensive Koala Plan of management and ensuring Federal protection for the koala.
“At it's Koala Care and Rescue Centre in Lismore, Friends of the Koala continues to rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned koalas for ultimate release back into the wild.
“This year saw the Senate release its report The Koala - saving our national icon and the Federal Environment minister list the combined koala populations of Queensland, NSW and the ACT as 'vulnerable' under the EPBC Act, unprecedented acknowledgments that the nations' remaining koalas are in perilous decline.”
The judges said:
“Friends of the Koala is an inclusive, grassroots organisation that provides a framework for people who wanted to do something to help koalas and the environment, whether it's caring for individual animals, collecting seeds and planting trees, talking to schools, attending council meetings, monitoring DAs or submission and letter writing.
“With around 400 members it enjoys a strong regional profile and reputation working with government, landholders and stakeholders to achieve outcomes promoting koala recovery.”
NCC is the peak environment group in NSW with more than 100 community environment groups constituting its membership.
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