Janelle Saffn secures $1.5 million boost for koala care in the Northern Rivers

Janelle Saffn, the local member for Lismore has delivered on her election commitment to provide additional support to wildlife hospitals, koala protection and research with $1.5 million in new funding provided to Northern Rivers wildlife care facilities.

Koalas in the state’s north will have a more secure future with $1.4 million allocated to complete building the Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital in Wollongbar, a key election commitment made by Lismore MP Janelle Saffn.

In another of Ms Saffn’s delivered commitments, Northern Rivers koalas will receive protection against chlamydia, with 300 koalas to be vaccinated by the Friends of the Koala Hospital. The $110,000 grant will also be used by the group to develop a koala database. This funding builds on previous NSW Government commitments to protect the region’s koalas from vehicle strike and degraded habitats.

Grants totalling $460,000 have been awarded to Lismore City, Tweed Shire, Ballina Shire, Richmond Valley and Clarence Valley councils for signage to alert drivers to slow down and watch for koalas in vehicle strike hotspots.

Koala habitat restoration is also underway in the Northern Rivers region, with $810,000 invested to restore 660 hectares across private land and national park estate.

The NSW Government is committed ensuring the long-term survival of koalas in the wild and each partnership with councils, land managers, community organisation and wildlife groups is an important step toward achieving that goal.

Quote attributable to Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Penny Sharpe:

“Janelle Saffn has

Byron Shire clean up in Brunswick Heads this March

Byron Shire Council (Council) and Positive Change for Marine Life have organised a clean-up in Brunswick Heads for this year’s Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday 3 March from 8am until 11.30am. Sarah Child, Council’s Resource Recovery Strategy and Engagement Offcer, said that she was thrilled to partner with Positive Change for Marine Life again for this year’s clean up.

“We’ll be focusing our efforts on Brunswick Heads this year and encourage the community to sign up to join us. This can be done via the Clean Up Australia Day website, or you can just come on the day,” Ms Child said.

“We will meet at Torakina Park on South Beach Road and will focus on picking up rubbish around the Torakina and Brunswick Heads beach area.

“We will provide everything you need, and you will even get a free coffee as a little thank you, just bring your own cup.

“If you want to do a clean up closer to home, you are encouraged to fnd an event near you,” she said. fought tirelessly for this funding, and I am pleased that the NSW Government can deliver it.

Around 1,200kg of litter was picked up from events across the Shire in 2023. Council can assist with rubbish disposal for registered events if required. Please contact waste@byron.nsw.gov. au for more information. Further information on the Brunswick Heads event can be found on Council’s What’s On page.

“It is important that koalas have a bright future in NSW, which they do under this government thanks in part to the strong advocacy of Janelle Saffn.

“The NSW Government is taking steps to prevent koalas needing to be in veterinary care, and this funding helps to ensure that native wildlife have the best possible outcome when treated and returned to the wild.”

Quote attributable to Member for Lismore Janelle Saffn:

“The Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital is wonderful. We have already turned the frst sod but this $1.4 million in funding ensures its place within our network of native wildlife care.

“Our local communities love our iconic koalas and the $110,000 in funding will help protect them against chlamydia, and importantly, keep track of them.

“Friends of the Koala in East Lismore is a fantastic organisation, professional, with compassionate and competent volunteers.

“I am proud to have advocated for and secured funding for these projects and very pleased to join Minister Sharpe to announce them here in the electorate.”

Quote attributable to a spokesperson for Friends of the Koala:

“The licensing and funding to administer the chlamydia vaccine to koalas marks a signifcant leap forward in safeguarding our local population.

“We have recently seen a decline in community and corporate donations. We will continue to meet with the NSW Government to discuss ongoing support, but it will take all levels of government, corporate and philanthropic support to help us save this iconic species.”

The Tweed Shire Council, recognizing the pivotal role tourism plays in the local economy, has recently undertaken a comprehensive consultation process culminating in the adoption of the Tweed Destination Management Plan (DMP) 2024-2030. This strategic blueprint, developed in collaboration with stakeholders, including the Tweed Tourism Company (TTC), outlines a roadmap to shape the future of tourism in the region.

Mayor Chris Cherry emphasizes the signifcance of the DMP in steering the Tweed towards becoming a leading sustainable destination in Australia. Highlighting the region’s natural, cultural, and creative assets, the plan aims to capitalize on these strengths while fostering sustainable growth in tourism.

Integral to the implementation of the DMP is the partnership between Tweed Shire Council, TTC, and other local stakeholders. Sally Scott, General Manager of TTC, underscores the collective effort required to realize the vision outlined in the plan, emphasizing the importance of community ownership and collaboration.

The Tweed DMP is structured around fve key goals, including recovering from external impacts, building a sustainable brand aligned with ecoprinciples, showcasing the region’s unique strengths, investing in signature Tweed events, and facilitating sustainable growth.

Looking ahead, the Council’s strategic agenda includes the development and adoption of a Tweed Events Strategy and associated Events Sponsorship Policy, further aligning with broader regional and state tourism strategies to drive increased visitor spend across the Tweed and the wider North Coast NSW region.

By harnessing the region’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and creative vitality, the Tweed DMP sets a course for sustainable tourism development, ensuring the Tweed remains a compelling destination for both locals and visitors alike.

To view the Tweed Destination Management Plan see the QR Code below.