PORT Stephens Council says it has striven to strike a healthy balance between the needs of people and koalas.
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“The protection of koalas and koala habitat is a complex matter and ongoing population health is subject to multiple factors – including habitat loss, vehicle strike, animal attack and diseases such as chlamydia,” a spokesman for the council said.
“Multiple agencies are responsible for protection of Koalas locally and an extensive range of legislation and policies exist at local, state and federal levels to assist with the conservation and protection of threatened species.”
The council said it had enjoyed a good working relationship with various groups.
This collaborative approach helped devise the comprehensive Koala Plan of Management which was approved by the Department of Planning in 2002.
“It seeks to balance conservation with the need for ongoing community development,” the spokesman said.
“The plan is guided by a steering committee consisting of a range of stakeholders including the Office of Environment and Heritage, Australian Koala Foundation, Native Animal Trust Fund and Hunter Koala Preservation Society.
“All have a role to play.”
The council is the consent authority for most development in Port Stephens.
Applications for everything from a backyard shed, to apartments and housing estates must meet certain rules. The spokesman said the council's approach is guided by the various pieces of legislation as well as the provisions included in the plan of management, which is considered in the course of making development application determinations under Section 79C of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.
“Council only considers development applications on appropriately zoned land and as part of the overall determination process detailed environmental assessments are undertaken in regards to any impacts on any flora and fauna,” he said.
“Relevant conditions of consent are also applied to all successful development applications. Council is keen to work with all stakeholders and particularly state government to seek additional resources to ensure the best and most up-to-date practices and data are in place.”