Koala claim in flood area

Local conservationist Mr Tony Whitehead claims to have found a koala in eucalyptus trees at North Pearl Estate.

According to Mr Whitehead, the koala was found on Tuesday night, September 2, in the trees adjacent to Ettymalong Creek, where council flood mitigation clearing work is proposed.

Plans for clearing work at the creek are on display at council libraries until Friday, September 12.

Mr Whitehead is currently undertaking a survey into the koala habitat in the area.

The survey is in conjunction with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and TAFE NSW.

Part of the objective of the report is to establish whether there is koala habitat on the Woy Woy sandplain, not just further up into Brisbane Water National Park, as is presently believed.

Mr Whitehead said: "The flood plan says that the koalas are up on the escarpments only, but I'm finding this is not so.

"Their main habitat seems to be in the ravines, perhaps because that area provides more shelter."

Mr Whitehead said that he is concerned that excessive clearing in the Kahiba Creek area would destroy koala habitat.

"It's a real threat to that species.

"The council is not assessing koala habitat."

He said that instead of council engineers deciding how best to manage flood risk at the creek, someone experienced in habitat management should be appointed to properly assess the area.

Jonathan Reichard, September 4