Sandy Point koalas

Koalas are a local icon and are much loved by the local community and visitors alike. However, the health and future viability of the population of koalas at Sandy Point is a serious community concern. It is a community priority to protect and manage the local koala population to ensure that it remains healthy and sustainable into the future.

Every summer Wildlife in Sandy Point (WiSP) group asks residents and visitors to report koala sightings over the course of a one week period.
2024 Koala Survey results


 

A GUIDE TO
LIVING WITH KOALAS
in Sandy Point

Download brochure


 

This video shows the release of a koala in Sandy Point after capture for a welfare check, June 2024.


This video was recorded in Sandy Point, January 2023.

It’s a great recording of koala vocalisations, both female and male. When he gets to the base of the tree his head lifts to listen to the sound of a female's strangulated mating call, then he begins his male bellowing … and gets cracking.


Koala Action Project

Sandy Point’s Koala Action Project was part of a 3 year project run by a group known as WHiSPA (Wildlife and Habitat in Sandy Point Action Group), which was about protecting our native wildlife and improving their natural habitat in and around Sandy Point.

In started in 2017, when the Sandy Point Community Group, on behalf of the Sandy Point community, was awarded $50,000 through a grant from the Victoria Government. The 3-year project aimed to:

  • Collect information to help understand the situation of our koalas

  • Involve the community in looking after koalas

  • Restore and revegetate areas for healthy and connected koala habitat

  • Create a community action plan for managing koalas long term.

The current WiSP (Wildlife in Sandy Point) Group aims to progress the work of

  • the 2017-2020 Koala Action Project … see the Summary Report or Full Report.

  • the animal rescue program

  • native habitat protection

  • koala count held bi-annually

  • management of mange in koalas and wombats


How can you help us … and our wildlife?

Report injured or sick animals immediately. This button takes you to the online form at Wildlife Victoria. Or phone 8400 7300.


 

Please Donate

We are currently fundraising to support our koala count and mange response and control.

Name: SPCG Koala Account

BSB: 633-000

Account:  161 432 976

Reference:  Your name

 

Media and Publications

Koala Corridor. ABC. Gardening Australia.
Series 31. Episode 18
Broadcast: Friday 5 June, 2020. 7:30pm
Presenter: Millie Ross

WHISPA Committee, et al,

Sandy Point Koala Action Plan: Summary. July 2020.

WHISPA Committee, et al,

Sandy Point Koala Action Plan. (full report) July 2020.

Wedrowicz, F. et al,
A history of the koala in South Gippsland.

Australian Zoologist, volume 38 (4), 2017. pp 518-536

Genetic study of the Sandy Point koala population: Summary.

WildDNA. Federation University. Australia. October 2018.

Genetic study of the Sandy Point koala population. (full report)

WildDNA. Federation University. Australia. October 2018.