Koala Woman Says
Along with the Otways, this is where the Victorian Government has been able to win the PR war on how many koalas there are in Victoria. French Island officially has several thousand animals but they are all genetically identical and cannot be considered to be providing long-term security for the species. AKF thinks that French Island just does not have enough suitable habitat to support this number of Koalas, and the Victorian Government sterilised and translocated 400 Koalas (or more) from the Island. About 200 Koalas are removed to mainland areas each year. A fire in January 2020 most likely killed more Koalas. As It is imperative for the Federal Environment to understand the complexities of the koala issues in Victoria. I do not believe there are 1400 Koalas on the Mornington Peninsula, but would be pleased to be wrong. Come on Flinders electorate protect that habitat and ensure their future.
Elsewhere in this electorate Koalas are occasionally seen at Mount Martha, in the Mornington Peninsula National Park, Tyabb, and at Somers.
Member for Flinders
Ms Zoe McKenzie MPLiberal Party of Australia
zoe.mckenzie.mp@aph.gov.au
PO Box 274 Hastings
VIC 3915
Will she Act or Axe?
Koala Numbers
Estimated AKF Koala Population: 1000 – 1400
Estimated Koala Habitat left: 28.1%
Estimated Federal Government Population: 5000-7000 (just on French Island).
The Victorian Government opposed the protection of the koala and there is no Federal protective legislation in place.