IMC and Symbio Wildlife Park launch koala conservation partnership

The Illawarra and Macarthur regions have some of the most genetically pure koalas in Australia and this new partnership directly enables important conservation measures to be fast-tracked.

As well as delivering practical measures to support local koala conservation, the partnership will provide educational opportunities and inspiration for local school students, helping to create greater awareness of the need to protect koalas and other endangered species.

IMC is providing A$470,000 to support the partnership, which will go towards a number of initiatives including a new research program using state-of-the-art drone-mounted thermal imaging cameras to help locate and track koalas in their natural habitats to gain a greater understanding of local populations and their movements. Other initiatives include rollout of a first-of-its-kind augmented reality wildlife educational app for schools to help students learn more about koalas and other Australian wildlife, and a new Citizen Scientist Education Program.

IMC Vice President Operations Peter Baker said it was pleasing to be able to support such important work.

“These are great new initiatives and will help conserve koala populations in the Illawarra and Macarthur regions,” he said.

Peter added that the partnership will make a difference now and for generations to come, providing opportunities for local students.

“In addition to supporting local koala populations, the partnership will also give local school students the chance to learn more about wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting our local environment,” he said.