Why We Exist

The Koala Alliance was founded in response to the urgent need for stronger action to protect one of Australia’s most iconic species. We bring together a diverse group of stakeholders who are frustrated by the lack of meaningful progress in safeguarding koalas.

We recognise that the threats facing koalas far outweigh the current efforts to protect them, and we are committed to helping change that.

Challenging the Narrative

A core focus of the Koala Alliance is addressing the many inaccuracies and misconceptions surrounding koala health and population numbers in Victoria, and throughout the koala’s historic range.  There has been limited transparency about how koalas are managed in the state, and many of the organisations and institutions that could raise concerns have remained largely silent.

We are committed to researching, questioning and challenging the narratives that shape public understanding and policy decisions about koalas. As Australians we deserve to the facts about koalas and all our native species. This work is not easy.

A Lack of Transparency

Partly because there has been very little transparency from government about how koalas are managed in Victoria, and partly because many of the conservation NGOs and academics who should be raising the alarm generally are not.

Just one recent example of this occurred when the Victorian government made the shocking decision to shoot nearly 2,000 koalas from helicopters without providing evidence to justify these killings – culling in all but name. Without the efforts of the Koala Alliance and others bringing attention to the issue, the public may never have known it occurred.

Situations like this raise serious questions about transparency and accountability in wildlife management.

What We See on the Ground

The Alliances includes wildlife rescuers and carers, who see the reality facing koalas every day. Despite years of campaigns, research and government promises, conditions for koalas are not improving — in many areas they are getting worse.

At the same time, wildlife protection faces structural challenges. The same government department responsible for protecting wildlife is also responsible for regulating industries that destroy habitat, including timber harvesting, agriculture, mining and large energy projects. These industries have powerful advocacy and lobbying groups, while wildlife has no equivalent voice representing its interests.

Understanding the Real Risks

Our work focuses strongly on Victoria and South Australia, where koalas are not currently listed as endangered. However, this classification does not necessarily reflect the true condition of their populations.

In Victoria, there has never been comprehensive, long-term monitoring of koala populations. Much of the information presented to the public relies on modelling rather than consistent field data.

Many koalas also depend on bluegum plantations for habitat. These plantations are grown as commercial timber crops and are eventually harvested, meaning the habitat they provide is temporary and offers no long-term future for the koalas living in them.

Our Goal

Everything we do is driven by a simple goal: to see healthy koalas living in healthy environments, protected by stronger safeguards that give them the best possible chance of survival into the future.