Koalas trapped by government fence following wildfire, environmentalist fears
Koalas trapped by government fence following wildfire, environmentalist fears
28 October 2017
published by https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au
AUSTRALIA: Vulnerable communities of koalas and potoroos have been left trapped behind a government-installed wildlife fence following a wildfire last month, environmentalists fear.
In early September, fires swept through the Northern Rivers region of NSW, burning through bushland including a 320-hectare region of native vegetation in the Wardell area, south of Ballina.
The area contains vulnerable communities of koalas and long nose potoroos, which had much of their habitat – vital for foraging and shelter – destroyed in the fire.
Following the blaze it is feared the animals’ ability to reach new ground has been hampered by a 700-metre long koala-proof fence installed by the NSW Transport Department – Roads and Maritime Services – as part of $4.36 billion upgrade of the Pacific Highway between Woolgoolga and Ballina.