The Member for Macarthur, Dr Mike Freelander MP, has welcomed the NSW Government’s decision to establish a new Georges River Koala Reserve.

The announcement comes after years of community campaigning and advocacy within the local community, which has been consistently calling for the protection of Campbelltown’s uniquely disease-free koala colony.

“This is a fantastic result for the Macarthur community. I am most pleased that the NSW Government has taken heed of our advice and will be taking steps to preserve and protect our beloved koala colony,” said Dr Mike Freelander MP.

“Macarthur residents have been calling for adequate provisions to protect our koala colony for years. Our tireless efforts have finally paid off, and I congratulate the Environment Minister, Matt Kean, the Planning Minister, Rob Stokes, and Premier Berejiklian on this announcement and thank them for engaging with us in a bipartisan manner,” said Dr Freelander.

“These protections are a step in the right direction, towards ensuring that our local flora and fauna can survive so that future generations will be able to enjoy the diversity of our local environment.”

“While there is more to be done, and I would have preferred to see the Government establish a National Park with a higher level of safeguards for our flora and fauna, this is certainly a step in the right direction.”

“This is a legacy issue for future generations. The protection of our local koala colony is an issue that is above partisan politics and this result is a win for all of those in our community who have tirelessly advocated for our cause,” said Dr Freelander.

The announcement came as part of a new Draft Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan. Local residents can view the Plan and have their say via planning.nsw.gov.au/cumberlandplainconservationplan until 25 September 2020.