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Gum Tips
March 2020
Learn more Update News
WILD KOALA BUSHFIRE WILDLIFE DRINKING
BREEDING PROGRAM VICTIMS STATIONS
REPORT BY
CLINICAL DIRECTOR,
CHEYNE FLANAGAN
Where does one start? Australia those who remain alive and are and koalas consequently cannot
has been in the grip of the worst struggling to survive. We weep for get enough water. Koalas are then
drought in recorded history with them all. forced to go to ground seeking
rivers literally stopping flowing, water which of course is often hard
For the wild koalas of New South
dams drying out, eucalypts to find. This is why we often see
Wales (NSW) the impact of
dying and so many species of footage of koalas chasing people
bushfires and drought has had
wildlife dying of starvation and on bicycles. They can smell the
a major impact on the overall
dehydration. And then along came water in the drink bottles and the
population. Well over 30% of
the bushfires. fear of humans is overridden by
identified koala habitat in NSW
the need for water.
The only way to describe these has been wiped out in bushfires
bushfires is hell on earth. so far. The overall loss is still to be In recent times, one of the common
Armageddon. It has been horrific, estimated. Nonetheless it is likely causes of admission to care has
terrifying and so heartbreaking. that approximately 2,000 koalas been extremely dehydrated and
From October 2019 through to may have died. starving koalas particularly into
January 2020, it felt like the whole facilities in western NSW. The same
The drought affecting Australia and
country was on fire with every problem is reflected in all other
particularly NSW, which has been
news media outlet showing footage species such as kangaroos, flying
occurring for a number of years
that was just unbelievable. foxes (bats) and even birds who are
has certainly had a major impact
also suffering just the same.
From a wildlife perspective and of on koala populations particularly
course from a koala perspective, on the tablelands and western So all our koalas and other wildlife
the impact on our unique and plains regions of the state. were already struggling with
beautiful wildlife is still largely drought – and the bushfires were
Koalas obtain the majority of
unknown. It is likely some species just the last straw.
their daily water needs from the
have been wiped out completely. eucalypt leaves themselves, and When the bushfires first hit our
We despair for so many millions when severe drought occurs, even region, they were of such high
of animals who have perished and the eucalypts struggle to survive intensity and so big they created
Front cover images show some of our bushfire victims.
Clockwise from top left: LINR Samantha and Joey, LINR Anwen, Ruins Way Baz, Nabiac Austin, LINR Paul.
Anwen, Baz, Austin and Paul were all burnt in bushfires; at time of print they continue to recover at the Koala
Hospital.
Samantha and Joey did not suffer burns but were left homeless by the bushfires. They are two of many koalas being
cared for at the Hospital until their bushland homes regenerate enough to sustain them.
GUM TIPS | MARCH 2020 | P2
their own weather! The skies seemed like there was a conveyor future is one of permanent pain
looked like an atomic bomb had belt of koala patients coming and suffering.
hit, and the smoke was so thick it through the doors!
Every animal is precious to us in
was almost dark in the middle of more ways than one.
Sadly not all the koala patients who
the day.
came into the hospital survived We must also appreciate that
Our search and rescue teams their ordeal. It is likely their we still had and still have all our
started to prepare. All of our systems were so compromised normal patients being admitted
team are fully qualified with Rural from the drought, that suffering during this time. Koalas were still
Fire Service, have all the correct burns as well was just too much coming in being hit by cars and
fire gear and are experienced in for some. We also had to make suffering from diseases, etc.
undertaking this gruelling, hot the decision to euthanase a few
We have also taken burns patients
difficult job. Once the teams were of them as their injuries were too
from other locations in NSW as well
allowed in, the search work began. severe. Everyone will remember
so the hospital is still at capacity.
the haunting footage of the koala
Burnt koalas began to be brought We have had to resort to building
running into the active fire and the
into the hospital for assessment off site enclosures on private land
kind lady who ripped off her shirt
and treatment. We were also to accommodate all the patients!
and captured him from the flames.
treating kangaroos, possums, and We will be keeping the burns
That koala was Ellenborough Lewis
turtles. patients here until at least next
and his burns injuries were such
We had so many burnt patients that even with the best burns winter. Their injuries should have
coming in, we decided to set up treatment available for koalas healed well by then, plus hopefully
a second examination table and he would have suffered a life of the vegetation on the firegrounds
anaesthetic machine and we had pain. The Koala Hospital is first will have returned.
two teams of qualified/experienced and foremost an animal welfare We have had some magnificent
burns staff treating koalas on both organisation and we will never rain in NSW but not enough to
tables at the same time. It almost keep an animal alive if we feel the break the drought.
CONTENTS
Report by Clinical Director, Cheyne Flanagan................. 2 Providing water to wildlife.................................................12
Report by President, Sue Ashton....................................... 5 Impact of recent bushfires….............................................14
The koala burns ward (bushfire victims).......................... 6 Trees for life.........................................................................16
Fires drive new era for Koala Hospital.............................. 8 Koala Smart.........................................................................17
Wild koala breeding program...........................................10 Young voices........................................................................18
Brand new Koala Hospital…..............................................11 Extraordinary generosity...................................................19
Erratum: We apologise for an error in December 2019 Gum Tips. On page 8, the image captioned Young Rose can be quite active! should have
been credited ‘Image courtesy of Port News’.
GUM TIPS | MARCH 2020 | P3
We are all so proud of our
volunteers. Everyone has worked
really hard, longer hours and more
days. Many of our volunteers
have been working in a number of
different jobs and the workload is
still very high. What a great team
we have.
The response worldwide to
Australia’s catastrophic bushfires
has been overwhelming. The
outpouring of support both in
donations, supplies and offers
of help has and continues to be
amazing.
We will be able to do incredible
projects with the donations. We
will be commencing a wild koala
breeding programme and we
will buy land for conservation
purposes. We are determined
that we will not lose this much
loved icon of Australia. We will
endeavour to protect and manage
these conservation lands using
knowledge that will come out
of the current situation. The big
bonus is all the other plants and
animals that live in the same
A new arrival, just rescued from a fireground, is assessed in the clinic
environment as koalas will be at the Koala Hospital.
protected as well.
We thank all of you for your
amazing support.
FREE KOALA FOOD TREES AVAILABLE!
Our annual free koala food tree distribution is scheduled to start again mid March. This is a great
opportunity for local landholders, residents and organisations to help with renewal of vital habitat. Tube
stock trees will be provided by Forestry Corporation of NSW and will be available for collection from the
Port Macquarie Koala Hospital. Information is available about how to plant and manage the trees for
success.
This year, we anticipate up to 35,000 trees will be made available for collection across these species:
Eucalyptus robusta (Swamp Mahogany) Eucalyptus tereticornis (Forest Red Gum)
Eucalyptus punctata (Grey Gum) Eucalyptus microcorys (Tallowwood)
To make a reservation for 40 or more trees, email habitat@koalahospital.org.au or call 02 6584 1522.
For smaller plantings, simply call to check stock is available on the day you plan to arrive.
GUM TIPS | MARCH 2020 | P4
REPORT BY
PRESIDENT,
SUE ASHTON
In what will be remembered by Hospital could share its knowledge works was launched in Port
most as the worst summer in and experience in the search and Macquarie in February, before
Australia’s recent history, the rescue of wildlife. moving to the Wentworth Gallery in
bush fires have brought about Sydney.
Australia Day – the Premier
a huge volume of work for the of NSW recognised people and In March – As part of the United
Port Macquarie Koala Hospital organisations that contributed Nations (UN) World Wildlife Day
which has seen many of our 150 during the bush fires that ravaged 2020, the Koala Hospital’s Clinical
volunteers working extra shifts, NSW from late 2019. A photo of
and doing extra jobs, just to keep Director, Cheyne Flanagan, is
three of our people was projected
the hospital going. My thanks presenting at the UN Paley Center
onto the sails of the Sydney Opera
to the many people who have in New York, at the ‘Wild Ideas
House on Australia Day night. The
volunteered time to help the Koala 2020’ a think-tank for nature and
photo represented everyone at the
Hospital. community. The theme for the
Koala Hospital and the plantations
event is 'Global Warning: Wildlife vs
In addition to an increased ‘in- and was well deserved recognition
of our hard working volunteers and Wildfire'. Cheyne's presentation will
house’ workload, our volunteers
staff. cover the recent Australian wildlife
have been busy helping others
emergency in which an estimated
and being recognised for the In February – a NSW Government
one billion animals have been
outstanding job they all do. Parliamentary Inquiry looking into
killed by the bushfires. Dr Rebecca
January - Search and Rescue koala populations and habitat in
Montague-Drake, Koala Ecologist
– three of our volunteers, and New South Wales, held a session in
for the local Koala Recovery
honorary member, Pete the Port Port Macquarie. The Koala Hospital
Program will also be presenting at
Tree Fella, spent 10 days searching was invited to give evidence in
December 2019 and again in the event, along with Nick Boyle
for wildlife in fire ravaged areas in
February 2020. from Taronga Zoo.
Cooma, southern NSW. The team
also trained people from local and An international artist, Russ Ronat, We have a lot happening at the
international wildlife organisations who paints endangered wildlife, Port Macquarie Koala Hospital and
in capture and search techniques. painted pictures of some of the I look forward to updating you on
We are very proud of this team Port Macquarie Koala Hospital more activities in the next issue of
and that the Port Macquarie Koala koalas. An exhibition of the art Gum Tips.
Snap Port Macquarie
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GUM TIPS | MARCH 2020 | P5
THE KOALA BURNS WARD
not prepared to risk their health
any further. This system worked
really well. After two weeks, as
their burns injuries improved we
extended the bandage changing
to every 4-5 days. It was a great
day when we decided that they
no longer required bandaging
and therefore no anaesthesia or
stressful handling.
Our burns team are quick and
efficient. Our system was to first
quietly anaesthetise the koala,
then whilst one staff member
monitored the anaesthesia, four
A bushfire victim receives vital fluids on admission to the Koala Hospital. staff were given a limb/foot/section
each to work on, the wounds were
In both the veterinary and the day, they were then placed under
checked, photographed, bathed,
human medical world, there are a general anaesthetic and their
debrided (dead tissue removed),
many different opinions and burns injuries were treated and burns cream thickly applied, then
treatment plans for treating bandaged. As koalas (like most the burns were bandaged to allow
burns. We are no different at the wildlife) don’t cope well with lots movement of digits. All burns
Koala Hospital. We prefer simple of anaesthesia, we found it best sites were also gently massaged
straightforward methods that work to only do bandage changes every with burns cream to reduce the
well and efficiently. three days. Obviously every day effects of contracture which
As firegrounds are still very would be the ideal but we were can be a major issue in burns
dangerous places after the main
fire has gone through, it is often
days before it is safe for search
teams to go in (burning trees and
limbs can fall). Consequently, in
most cases rescued koalas’ burns
have cooled by the time they are
captured, so the initial attention
must be focused on dealing with
extremely dehydrated burnt
animals that are also in pain.
During recent the fires, all of the
admitted burns patients were
only given fluids for the first 24
hours, plus pain relief and quality
nutrition. Once they were well
hydrated, often the following LINR Anwen in the early stages of her recovery.
GUM TIPS | MARCH 2020 | P6
patients. This whole procedure
took approximately 15 minutes.
The anaesthesia was turned off
and the koala was given fresh
oxygen for 10 minutes. Having a
burns team to treat all the patients
made it so much quicker and better
for each individual koala. As we
had so many patients, this system
allowed two burns teams working
on different koalas on different
examination tables at the same
time – hence the conveyor belt feel
about the whole exercise!
We were given the loan of a laser
whose job is to accelerate healing.
We were quite impressed with this
laser and have now bought one. The Koala Hospital burns team in action.
In the early days a number of the
severe tissue damage that usually got over a previous infection, prior
burns patients wouldn’t move
emerges weeks later and in rare to the fires, but the overwhelming
off the floor of the units, so they cases months later and can be slow demands on the body, caused a
spent their days asleep on blankets to heal. poor immune response and the
with a canopy of fresh eucalypt
Not all of our admitted bushfire disease re-emerged.
branches sitting in a bucket
beside them. What 5 star service – koalas survived. Some were so The future for these burns
breakfast in bed! compromised they died very early patients? It is likely that some
on, in spite of our best efforts. of the koalas will be able to be
Eventually they began to climb Some we made the decision to
returned to their point of capture
which indicated that progress was put to sleep as their injuries would
happening. once the vegetation has returned
have resulted in a life of permanent
and they are fully healed. This
Even though burns do result from pain.
could occur as early as mid June/
direct flame such as burns to the Some burnt koalas also arrived July. Others may take longer
hands, feet and faces, the majority with the bacterial disease and some will remain with us
are from radiant burns which do chlamydiosis (wet bottom or permanently.
not actually touch the skin, but diseased eyes) so had to be
the heat is so intense that burns treated for both burns and At time of print we are thankful
occur (like opening a very hot oven disease. Weeks after admission that there has been heavy rain
door). Koalas can be admitted with chlamydia emerged with some in parts of the country and the
singeing of the fur – which appears burns patients who had arrived fire danger has receded to some
as brownish black shortened fur. clinically clear of the disease. It is extent. However, so far the inland
These radiant burns can hide likely in these cases, the koala had drought has not been broken.
GUM TIPS | MARCH 2020 | P7
HORRIFIC FIRE SEASON
DRIVES NEW ERA FOR
KOALA HOSPITAL
Innes Nature Reserve and the tragic consequences for our
Conservation Area, State Forests unique environment and wildlife,
at Ballengarra and Bellangry, widely-loved around the world.
Kindee, Ellenborough, and Crowdy
Bay and Werrikimbe National This is the busiest
Parks. The devastation of our
period in our history.
local genetically-diverse koala
population was widely publicised
by the media, and the public were Our volunteers
quick to understand the potential
impact for koalas in the whole In addition to the increased clinical
country. The rescue and treatment activity and koala care, we are
of koalas burnt or affected by fire managing unprecedented levels
was of paramount importance, of generosity from businesses
but at the same time media and organisations as well as the
interest, donations and adoptions, public. The Hospital has never
Scat detection dog, Taylor, lays down Hospital visitor numbers, in its history experienced this
indicating to her handler, Ryan Tate, telephone calls and email activity concentration of interest from
that she has found a koala on the the public, and the media. The
all moved quickly to a new level
firegrounds.
and continued to accelerate. genuine care and generous
The animals are Later in December and January,
actions of so many people from
always our first and the horrific fires grew in size and
intensity across huge areas of New
foremost priority. South Wales, Victoria, Kangaroo
Island in South Australia, and
Since the local fire at Lake Innes the Australian Capital Territory.
Public desire to help precious
Nature Reserve started in October
wildlife in whatever way possible
2019, the Port Macquarie Koala
has resulted in even more
Hospital has experienced the
generous giving by people not
busiest period in its history. Whilst
only in Australia but around
we have in the past managed big
the whole world. The fact that
increases in koala admissions
news is now delivered real-time
from previous fire events, the
and globally, means that people
extent of the fires locally, as well as
literally everywhere know about
nationally means we have moved
the catastrophic fires, the human
into a different era.
impact, the incredible work of
Volunteer, Jackie Moody, has taken on
Firstly, the local fires impacted Australian volunteers especially many extra shifts over the bushfire
huge areas including Lake the volunteer firefighters, and period. Koala care in ICU is her specialty!
GUM TIPS | MARCH 2020 | P8
injured koalas high in the canopy. true now, in the face of such
Ryan Tate with his enthusiastic and overwhelming recent events.
reliable scat detection dog, Taylor, The original mission of the Koala
accelerated the pace at which Hospital remains: to rescue sick
search and rescue teams could and injured koalas, to rehabilitate
confidently check firegrounds. and wherever possible, release
Ryan and Taylor were successful them back to the wild. Koala
at locating many koalas within Conservation Australia, which
the firegrounds and enabling the manages the Koala Hospital, has
teams to track where koalas had the wider mission to protect and
recently been. Our search teams conserve habitat, to increase
also worked in the Taree/Manning/ knowledge and understanding
Forster region for several weeks of the species and to work
just prior to Christmas. At the time collaboratively to ensure their
of print, we have a search team survival into the future.
Volunteer, Margaret Richardson, has
working in the Snowy Mountains
been working hard in the offices and region near Cooma where active
administration area. fires are still occurring.
all over the world has been a huge Many koala care volunteers are
encouragement to volunteers as doing extra shifts multiple days
we have all stepped up to take on each week to cope with extra
so much more. patient care. Some are stepping
up to do shifts to answer the
Media visits have become part
busy telephone lines, answer
of daily life, with film crews and
emails, and to process the
reporters wanting to tell the world
increased donations and sales of
not only what we are doing here at Volunteers, Peggy Eather and Elysia
merchandise. Wild Koala Adoptions
the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, Marai, are important members of the
are particularly popular and can be
but also the much wider story Sunday morning koala care team.
purchased online; processing and
of the suffering and destruction
mailing out adoption packages has
of wildlife across huge areas of
become a major part of backroom
eastern and southern Australia.
work at the Hospital.
Our search and rescue teams, all
And all the while, the regular
trained and accredited with New
work of the Hospital carries on,
South Wales Rural Fire Service,
with usual numbers of koalas still
covered around six thousand
coming into our care at this time
acres of firegrounds over the initial
of year for more common reasons
five-week period. Peter Berecry
such as sickness and traumatic
(Port Tree Fella) has been providing
encounters with cars and dogs.
ongoing, invaluable support with
Volunteer, Graham Harrington,
his elevated work platform on Every koala has always been distributes the Hospital donation boxes
crawler tracks, helping us to rescue precious but this is even more at the beginning of the day.
GUM TIPS | MARCH 2020 | P9
WILD KOALA
BREEDING PROGRAM
Due to the overwhelming Australian Museum's Wildlife
generosity of the public, we are Genomics Centre, Taronga Zoo,
delighted to say that our long- Billabong Wildlife Park, and Save
term goal of a breeding facility is Our Species (SOS), a program
now a reality for the near future. of the NSW Department
of Planning, Industry and
The facility is currently in the
Environment.
early planning phase and we
anticipate that part of it will The breeding program will
be housed at the new Koala follow rigorous scientific
Hospital complex. methodology with koalas only
being mated with animals of
We are aiming at three separate
similar provenance eg: Port
breeding facilities, the main one
Macquarie koalas with Port
housing a research laboratory
Macquarie koalas, Moree with
and other infrastructure. The
Moree. The offspring of these
other two facilities will be lower
unions will be released back
key, located independently
into selected pre surveyed sites,
of the main complex and will
and with the ultimate goal of
house some of our resting
reversing the decline of the
breeding animals and koalas
koala. Wild koala, Port Macquarie. (Image courtesy of
from other areas of the state. In
light of the recent catastrophic Of course this all must go hand Colin Campbell)
fires, having three separate in hand with major changes
facilities is a good insurance to how koala habitat and
policy. conservation of land is managed
into the future.
The Hospital will be partnering
with a number of key We have a long journey ahead of
stakeholders including the us to get this off the ground, but
University of Sydney, the it is an exciting one!
GUM TIPS | MARCH 2020 | P10BRAND NEW KOALA
HOSPITAL TO BE BUILT
In early October 2019, Koala • Lifts to access an aerial walkway to more closely experience the
Conservation Australia (KCA) was world from a koala’s view – from
• A walkway through the trees
awarded a five million dollar grant the tree tops, looking down on the
from the NSW State Government. • A new clinic world.
This is a great honour and carries • A new administration area An expanded museum, theatrette
with it a lot of responsibility. and education spaces will help
• Indigenous story telling space
The grant is to be used exclusively including indigenous food make the many training sessions
to redevelop the Port Macquarie garden conducted at the Koala Hospital
Koala Hospital. The project will each year for school children,
• Education nature walk wildlife care organisations, TAFE
provide a world class, nature-based
tourism attraction in regional NSW. A small project management and university students, a better
This attraction will be unique to committee has finalised the experience with access to learning
the north coast area of NSW and many supporting documents materials and real koalas, all at one
Australia. and processes required for location.
such a large project. Plans for A special area in the
The main features of the Koala
procurement, asset management, redevelopment, an indigenous
Hospital’s redevelopment are:
risk management, governance, story telling space and food
• New rehabilitation and cash flow and a comprehensive garden, has been put aside for the
permanent resident koala yards timeline, have been finalised and local people, the Birpai, to learn
• Training, research and form part of a funding deed, the more about their history, customs
education spaces contract the KCA has entered into and special relationship with the
with the government for delivery of land and wildlife.
• A retail shop
the project.
By September 2020, an architect
• Koala museum and theatrette
Many of the new features, koala and builder will have been
• Interpretive signage and yards in the tree canopy and an appointed and work on the
ground level walkway aerial walkway, will enable visitors redevelopment will begin.
ARRIVAL SECTION
KOALA HOSPITAL PORT MACQUARIE KOALA HOSPITAL PORT MACQUARIE
18 September, 2018 P:\2018\18900_Submissions\JP18_68_PortMacquaireKoalaHospital_Commercial\Graphics\180907_KoalaHospital_Designconcept.indd 3 18 September, 2018 P:\2018\18900_Submissions\JP18_68_PortMacquaireKoalaHospital_Commercial\Graphics\180907_KoalaHospital_Designconcept.indd 5
Design concepts for the new Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, by Allen Jack + Cottier, Architects
GUM TIPS | MARCH 2020 | P11PROVIDING WATER
TO WILDLIFE
In November 2019 the Koala as we can. Once built, the wildlife
Hospital set up a GoFundMe® drinking stations are deployed to
page on Facebook with a goal to areas ravaged by fire and drought.
raise $25,000 to provide wildlife Wildlife drinking stations have
drinking stations in the Mid North been of interest to the Koala
Coast areas affected by recent Hospital for a while, and different
bushfires. People responded designs from across the country
quickly and generously, knowing had already been assessed by the
that our local koalas and their Hospital last year. Our favourite
habitat were being decimated. design was one which enabled
Now, owing to the relentless and different species to access water
catastrophic fire season which at different levels, minimising
took hold across the country risk from predators. It had been
throughout December and into designed by Greg Buck who
January, donations have continued works with Gwydir Landcare.
to rise higher and higher. The Hospital’s volunteer Habitat
Coordinator, Steve Withnall, made
The wildlife drinking contact and we are very grateful
Wildlife drinking station installed in dead
stations are deployed to Greg for agreeing to the Koala
and blackened bush, Blue Mountains,
Hospital using his design to make NSW, January 2020. Note the elevated
to areas ravaged by the drinking stations here on the water reservoir platform for use by birds
fire and drought. Mid North Coast. Using a sample and arboreal animals such as koalas,
and the low level water bowl for use
model from Greg, Steve set to work by ground dwellers. Image courtesy of
to simplify and modify the station, KDVideo for Science for Wildlife.
and sought local professional
guidance. Advice from Mid Coast 4WD Centre (Port Macquarie),
Irrigation in Wauchope and MR Midcoast Irrigation (Wauchope),
Welding in Port Macquarie enabled
Bunnings (Port Macquarie),
us to develop a model which
Midcoast Trailers (Taree), Miedecke
could be made at moderate cost,
Ford (Port Macquarie), Horsley
deployed quickly and which would
be comparatively easy to monitor Warehouse (Goulburn) and Tracy
and maintain. Dignum.
Volunteers, Jeremy Bear and Nic Snell, We also thank volunteers who
In order to move quickly on
complete an installation in Crowdy Bay
National Park, NSW. this ambitious project, many are working on the building
businesses and individuals have and deployment of the drinking
With so much public support and provided equipment, advice and stations including Jeremy Bear,
in the face of the environmental services freely or at reduced cost. Nic Snell, Darryl Clift, Dave Baker,
These include: Teresa Cochrane, Chris Clay and
crisis, Hospital volunteers have
been working hard to build as Philmac, Matt Reichert Mobile our Habitat Coordinator, Steve
many stations as we can, as quickly Welding (Port Macquarie), Midcoast Withnall.
GUM TIPS | MARCH 2020 | P12Koala Hospital is providing
drinking stations to other
areas and sharing our
knowledge and experience.
At present up to 10 stations are being built
each week. More than thirty have already
been deployed in various locations - with
agreements in place with landowners and land
managers to monitor water levels, any damage
and to maintain and repair them.
These areas include:
• Lake Innes Nature Reserve
• Bellangry Wildlife camera captures a koala exploring one of the new
• Rosewood drinking stations near Inverell, New South Wales.
• Crowdy Bay National Park
• Harrington
• Lismore
• Blue Mountains
• Inverell
• Bingara/Moree
Many more drinking stations are due to be
installed in the Mid North Coast, northern
NSW, and the Blue Mountains. Wildlife
cameras are an exciting addition enabling the
collection of information about their use by
Truck and trailer loaded up with drinking stations ready for
animals and birds. deployment.
We have received many calls from wildlife
organisations and land management groups
across the country, interested in learning
more about our drinking stations and how
they could be provided in their areas. We aim
to host workshops in the future where our
knowledge and experience can be shared.
Dr Kellie Leigh of Science for Wildlife recently
wrote, ‘We are delighted to receive emergency
support from Port Macquarie Koala Hospital,
for our Blue Mountains Koala Project. The
supplied water stations are being used as a
model and scaled out in the hope of helping
survivors from at least 3 koala populations in
the region’.
GUM TIPS | MARCH 2020 | P13IMPACT OF RECENT FIRES
..on koalas and their habitat in the Port
Macquarie-Hastings Local Government Area
A snapshot by Rebecca and a small riparian corridor at focus on some of the high carrying
the northern end of the park, the capacity areas affected, such
Montague-Drake, vast majority of this NPWS estate as Lake Innes. This will provide
Koala Ecologist for was impacted- see Fig. 1. This area knowledge about koala persistence
at the site and landscape levels
the Hastings-Macleay has previously been described
by BioLink (2012) as the ‘engine and how this relates to fire severity
Koala Recovery room’ of the Port Macquarie koala (flame height and the amount of
Partnership population and has been described canopy scorch). The study will also
as ‘being of national significance’. investigate ‘mesic refuge areas’.
The rich red krazozem soils of Such areas are typically along
The recent bushfires in Australia this area, coupled with good soil permanent or ephemeral creek
are estimated to have impacted moisture levels and an abundance lines, in gullies or on south-facing
around 1 billion animals and of koala food trees facilitated a high slopes and typically support more
around 25% of all koala habitat carrying-capacity for koalas. rainforest species (which are
in New South Wales. Sobering typically less flammable than those
Similarly, the Ellenborough
statistics indeed. In the Hastings- found in dry eucalypt forests).
area, which was also burnt, was
Macleay region, the figures are While these cooler, wetter sites
another high carrying capacity
equally grim. may not be considered ‘typical’
area for koalas. Areas around
koala habitat, the importance
The Koala Recovery Partnership Crowdy Bay National Park were of such refuge areas for koalas
undertook an analysis of losses of also severely burnt. This region during hot days, droughts or fires
koala habitat in the Port Macquarie- supports the genetically unique is gaining recognition among
Hastings Local Government Area Dunbogan population, which scientists. This study will examine
(LGA). The analysis revealed that a is already a relatively small which local vegetation types may
(conservative) estimate of 50,000 population. Extremely large act as mesic refuge sites and
hectares of koala habitat has areas in the Kempsey and Port whether, during a major fire event,
been burnt. While the figure alone Macquarie hinterland were also they facilitated koala survival.
sounds dire, the reality of what this severely burnt. Koalas occurred at The study will work alongside a
represents is even more sobering. low-moderate densities in many much larger long-term monitoring
For instance, this figure equates of these hinterland areas and program for koalas which is being
to 35% of all the koala habitat in hence across the entirety of the conducted through the Hastings-
the Port Macquarie-Hastings LGA burnt area, countless koalas were Macleay.
having been affected. Perhaps even impacted. Together these various
The Koala Recovery Partnership is
worse, it has impacted 41% of the populations were important
also working on other initiatives
‘best’ koala habitat (“Primary” or components of the genetic diversity
to support post-fire recovery,
“Secondary A” habitat). This habitat and resilience of koalas in the
including the preparation of a
has a higher carrying capacity for Hastings-Macleay.
detailed Koala Habitat Map to
koalas (hence were areas of higher
The Koala Recovery Partnership is guide species’ selection for people
populations).
now working with the Department wishing to replant koala habitat.
One such area of high-carrying of Planning, Industry and They have also been sharing their
capacity affected by the fires was Environment’s Saving Our Species knowledge about the fire impacts
the Lake Innes Nature Reserve program to undertake a detailed on koalas and the relevant actions
and State Conservation Area. With monitoring program of koalas needed with various government
the exception of the lake itself, in relation to the fire, with a key representatives.
GUM TIPS | MARCH 2020 | P14Fig.1: The approximate
extent of the fire in the Port
Macquarie-Hastings LGA (as
one example of a Council
Legend
region impacted by fires)
Extent of Fires Nov 2019_191119
Koala Habitat Burnt in PMHC
and the extent of koala
habitat burnt.
The koala is a ‘flagship’ species’ during the recent bushfire endangered giant dragonfly. Given
crisis. that invertebrates often tend to
and ‘umbrella’ species. not be the recipients of the general
While it may seem narrow-
Why is this important? minded to seemingly focus on
public’s conservation attention, it
is clear that helping protect koala
one ‘flagship’ species, when so
habitat can not only protect large
many have been impacted, it
Australia’s koala has certainly areas, but also those of some
does help people to focus and
become something of an lesser-known or appreciated
think about the root cause of
international fixture in the media species.
issues and the flow-on impacts.
since Australia’s fires, with mixed
It can engender social pressures Having adequate knowledge
measures of heart-breaking and
to initiate change and of course, about species’ biology and ecology
heart-warming stories appearing in
stimulate flows in investment can really help to ensure that
newsfeeds on a daily basis. into species conservation. When the greatest gain can be made
However we all know that the koala such investment is used wisely, of attention or investment given
was just one of countless animal and when social pressures result to ‘flagship’ species, to not only
and plant species impacted by the in meaningful policy changes or protect these precious and much-
fires. Indeed some of the species changes in negative-consumerism loved animals, but also to ensure
impacted may have now become behaviour, this not only protects the best conservation outcomes
extinct, and some may never have the ‘flagship species’ but can result for all those other lesser-known
even been known to science. in meaningful changes for other animals.
species too. This is particularly the
In conservation biology, a flagship The Hastings-Macleay Koala
case where the ‘flagship’ species
species is a species chosen to Recovery Partnership is proudly
is also an ‘umbrella species’. An
raise support for biodiversity funded by the NSW Government’s
umbrella species has been defined
Saving Our Species Program, the
conservation in a given place or as “a wide-ranging species whose
Port Macquarie Koala Hospital and
social context. They tend to be requirements include those of
hosted by the Mid North Coast Joint
widely recognised and charismatic many other species”. In some
Organisation.
species. The koala was recognised environments, koalas can have
as one of the world’s top five home ranges in excess of 100
recognisable species by the World hectares. They occupy the same
Wildlife Fund and hence it is habitats as numerous other highly-
perhaps no surprise that it has threatened species, such as the
become an inadvertent ‘flagship endangered swift parrot or the
GUM TIPS | MARCH 2020 | P15TREES
FOR LIFE
The Koala Hospital continues to
work on habitat conservation and
renewal, even more vital following
the catastrophic bushfire season.
We now operate two major
plantations of koala food trees Paul Goss, manager of Moripo Research Plantation.
which are already starting to take
pressure off wild koala habitat, Last year (2019), work began at Correctional Centre to create
and we continue to work with local the Moripo Research Plantation, bush corridor
organisations, landholders and located to the west of Wauchope. Inmates at the Mid North Coast
residents on planting and renewal The first 500 new trees are Correctional Centre near Kempsey
of habitat. responding well to the planting have recently begun a project to
Our plantations and nurturing system, with our plant thousands of eucalyptus
aim being to create low canopy trees over 14 hectares of the
Maria River Road Plantation is
food trees for ease of management centre’s land. Over the next 6
situated on the north shore of Port
and harvesting by the Hospital. years it is anticipated that at least
Macquarie. Originally established in
Moripo is a demonstration site and 6,000 seedling trees will be planted
2015, it now comprises 5,000 young
and nurtured, creating a bush
trees, with Swamp Mahogany trees research station for koala nutrition
corridor for koalas, sugar gliders
already providing leaf regularly and tree management.
and native birds. Once established,
for Koala Hospital patients. Forest
Further major plantings are the trees may also be harvested to
Red Gum and Tallowwood are
planned for late March at both provide food to koala sanctuaries
becoming more established and
Maria River and Moripo. The in the area. Inmates will have
will soon become regular items
Koala Hospital is delighted to say the opportunity to learn about
on the menu at the Hospital.
that Matt Kilby, from ACT-based horticulture and the environment,
Hard-working volunteers at the
company, Global Land Repair, assisting them to find work when
plantation are regularly rewarded
has agreed once more to provide they leave the centre.
by visits from native animals. Latest
sightings include echidnas, a family valuable on-site assistance at this The NSW Department of
of ospreys, goannas drinking from time. We are grateful to Matt for his Communities and Justice and the
the dam. continued advice and services. Port Macquarie Koala Hospital have
collaborated on the project, sharing
knowledge about how trees can be
planted and managed to minimise
water consumption and increase
survival rates. Trees have been
donated by Forestry Corporation
of NSW, Landcare, Kempsey Shire
Council and Billabong Zoo.
The Koala Hospital's free koala food tree
distribution is starting in March. This is a
great opportunity for local landholders,
residents and organisations to help with
renewal of vital habitat. See page 4 for
Entrance to the developing bush corridor. Image courtesy of Mid North more information.
Coast Correctional Centre, Kempsey.
GUM TIPS | MARCH 2020 | P16KOALA SMART
The inspirational Koala Smart practical modifications for homes Wales current curriculum, and it
program is gaining momentum. and technological applications. is anticipated that schools from
Introduced in 2019, Koala Smart The Koala Smart website explains, across the state will participate.
is a Lions project which motivates ‘Some will be further assessed by Teachers will be able to use
primary and secondary children conservation and planning experts new resources including video
(government and non-government for practical application with and slide presentations, current
schools) to engage with the assistance from the Lions Club.’ environmental facts and statistics
problem of koala decline and The standard of submissions was as well as direct links to other
develop initiatives that can be so high that additional prizes, such online tools and information. Once
applied in the real world, in their as a ‘Behind the scenes at the Koala their planning has commenced,
local communities. Hospital’ experience were included teachers will be able to access
by the judges. NSW Saving Our Species officers
Students develop real- 2019 First Prizes went to North
for advice on project content and
direction. Projects will be evaluated
world initiatives to Haven Public School and Kempsey
by environment and education
Adventist Secondary School. North
help drive change. Haven’s ‘Thinking outside the
professionals with the goal of
applying practical ideas in the real
box’ included the creation of a
world.
‘hero koala’ around whom a new
Koala Smart recognises the
television show would be designed More information is available at
creativity of youth and the power www.koalasmart.org.au, or email
to educate children about koalas
of young people to make change and the environment in general. tplckoalasmart@gmail.com.
happen. Koala Smart project work Kempsey Adventist School’s project
nurtures collaboration, critical Schools are invited to submit their
was an app which would alert the
expressions of interest for Koala
thinking and problem-solving skills. Koala Hospital in real time to koalas
Smart 2020 as soon as possible.
Koala Smart 2019 was introduced in distress. Whilst a similar app was
Closing date for sign up this year is
by Tacking Point Lions Club and already being explored by the NSW
9 April.
attracted 25 schools in the Port government, the new ideas and
Koala Smart is a joint initiative with
Macquarie Hastings and Kempsey features proposed by the Kempsey Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, NSW
Shire Council areas. Projects students may now be integrated. Department of Planning, Industry and
Environment (Saving Our Species) and
included creative expressions, This year Koala Smart 2020 will be the Hastings-Macleay Koala Recovery
community education programs, aligned more closely to New South Partnership.
Volunteers, Mick Feeney and Anne Walsh Creativity in poetry and visual art, St Traffic-calming project, Kendall Public
help Port Macquarie Public School Joseph’s Primary School, Laurieton School
students enjoy their prize, ‘Behind the
scenes at the Koala Hospital’. Image
courtesy of Port Macquarie Public School.
GUM TIPS | MARCH 2020 | P17YOUNG VOICES SPEAK
UP FOR WILDLIFE
In Gum Tips we often highlight how much they want to help. Their
how much children and young emotion is raw and their support is
people are stepping up to show palpable.
they care about our environment Space doesn’t permit us to
and wildlife. For many years their individually list here the thousands
generous and decisive actions to of messages and actions by
help the Port Macquarie Koala young people: they include cards,
Hospital have illustrated their deep artwork, poems, stories, donations,
concerns. adoptions, visits, creative
Recently, with drought and fundraising events, thoughtful gifts
bushfires taking such a ghastly in kind.
toll on our precious animals and The images below illustrate just
birds, young people from all over a tiny fraction of the amazing
Australia and the world have support we have received from the
Children from Crazy Maze OOSHC present
responded quickly to let us know young.
the funds they raised to Cheyne Flanagan.
Donated artwork brightens the walls of the clinic at the Koala Hospital.
GUM TIPS | MARCH 2020 | P18EXTRAORDINARY
GENEROSITY,
EXTRAORDINARY TIMES
An elderly lady phones to fund ‘one the Hospital to keep koala carers,
of those wonderful wildlife drinking search and rescue teams, hard-
stations’, a seven year old fills the working backroom volunteers well-
donation box at the Hospital with nourished and cared for.
the pocket money he’s been saving
The phones are red hot, emails
for months, a pensioner contacts
and online orders pour in, media
us every two weeks to donate what
and television crews are a regular
he can, koala adoption packages
sight at the Hospital. In its 45-
and merchandise are posted
year history the Koala Hospital
to purchasers across the world
has never experienced this
including Asia, Europe, Africa,
unprecedented level of generosity
North and South America.
and interest.
The devastating bushfire season
The Hospital values and thanks
since November last year has
brought an intense media and every single person or organisation
social media focus to Australia who is helping us. Thank you for
like never before, and across the each and every one of these acts
country and the world people are of generosity and kindness. They
showing they care deeply about prove just how many people of all
Australian wildlife. ages, from all countries and walks
of life really, really care.
The Koala Hospital in Port
Macquarie has been overwhelmed You can read in this edition of Gum
by support. Donations, adoptions Tips, how the money so generously
and merchandise sales have ‘gone given is being used by the Koala
through the roof’ but support has Hospital to help koalas now and
also arrived in kind: medical and into the future. To all those who
therapeutic supplies for koalas, have given in many different
new volunteers offering their time, ways, be assured that your care,
businesses and organisations compassion and action is helping
offering help, and thousands of the Koala Hospital as we work
messages of encouragement and through this difficult time, and will
support. Food and thoughtful continue to help us as we plan and
treats are brought regularly to work for the survival of the species.
GUM TIPS is the official newsletter of Koala Conservation Australia Disclaimer Koala Conservation Australia Inc. and the Management
Inc. and is published quarterly. Committee do not accept any liability for the results of any actions taken
Editor: Becky Harrington or not taken, on the basis of information given or discussed with groups
Contributors: Cheyne Flanagan, Sue Ashton, Rebecca Montague- or other organised events, meetings and/or for information provided
Drake, Becky Harrington by speakers or for any information published for or on behalf of the
Photography (unless individually credited): Scott Castle, Gaby Rivett, organisation, its organs and officers.
Sue Ashton, Becky Harrington, Carole Grant AFIAP, FAPS, Cheyne
Flanagan, Steve Withnall, Peter Berecry
GUM TIPS | MARCH 2020 | P19Koala Emergency Rescue Line -
Phone (02) 6584 1522
If you sight a koala in distress - call our
Rescue Line 24 hours a day / 7 days a week
E: info@koalahospital.org.au koalahospital
General Enquiries: 02 6584 1522
www.koalahospital.org.au
k Y ou
T han
…to everyone who is supporting our work
through donations, adoptions, gifts,
sponsorship, your visits and your good wishes.
Koala Conservation Australia Inc.
ABN 74 060 854 479 | PO Box 236, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
Licensed to rehabilitate and release sick, injured and
orphaned native fauna under Licence No. 10044You can also read
