Koalas vs Shenhua's mine

Dear Woow,

Every country has its icons. For us, it's the koala. The uniquely Australian marsupial is a drawcard for visitors from across the globe. 

But koalas in NSW are in trouble. In the last twenty years alone, koala numbers have plummeted by 40 per cent in NSW and Queensland. They are now even listed as vulnerable to extinction. The number one reason species like the koala are threatened is because of the destruction of their habitat.

That's why it's so shocking that the Shenhua Watermark coal mine is proposed for the Liverpool Plains. The region is known not only as some of best food-growing land in our nation, but also for its pockets of woodland that provide critical refuge for koalas. 

NCC is a founding partner of the Land Water Future campaign to protect farmland, water catchments and special places from coal and coal seam gas mining. They've put together this great video about the risk the Shenhua mine poses to koalas. This isn't your usual conservation video – it's very funny!

Will you watch and share this video to help raise awareness about the plight of this Aussie icon? 

You can also watch and share this video on Facebook.

We know coal mines and koalas don't mix. If the Shenhua coal mine goes ahead it will destroy 847 hectares of koala habitat, which is home to an estimated 262 koalas. That's bad news for the koalas. 

Last week we launched a joint report with the Upper Mooki Landcare group who are on the ground looking after the koala habitat that would be affected by Shenhua's mine. You can check out the report on our website, and read a news story about their legal case currently before the Land and Environment Court to defend the koalas.

It's up to all of us to get the word out about what's at stake if this mine proceeds. 

Daisy
Campaigns Director
Nature Conservation Council of NSW

P.S. Koalas are a powerful reminder of our current disregard for the living world. Three of our top campaigns are actively charting a brighter future for the koala and other wildlife. To protect the koala we must end native logging of our forests, ensure we have strong laws to protect important bushland from clearing, and make sure coal mining doesn't destroy vital tracks of habitat. By supporting our work you really are part of the solution – thank you. 

Want to support our work? We rely on the generosity of supporters like you to protect and restore nature in NSW. Become a monthly 'Voice for Nature' or chip in a one-off donation here.

You can also keep up with Nature Conservation Council of NSW on Twitter or Facebook.
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