Macadamia farming is their day job – saving Koalas is their passion. In a pocket of Northern NSW just west of Byron Bay, there is a healthy crop of trees producing delicious macadamia nuts on a commercial sale. But there’s another forest on the same farm – and there eucalyptus is king. And Koalas are loving it. The Viola family is part of a growing trend that’s seeing farmers dedicate some land to saving our adored marsupial. To learn more about the koala corridor Dale Viola joins me now to discuss:

• Dale’s favourite place on the macadamia farm and eucalyptus oasis.
• How and why this macadamia farm became a wildlife corridor.
• The farm is being run by her husband and brother-in-law, Ash, who is now 75 years old, and how this family farm came about.
• Using an unproductive area of the farm to create something truly worthwhile.
• Although the forest is in its infancy, koalas are flocking to this new habitat.
• Some of the health issues koalas have faced, and how this native regeneration — which has been commended by conservation groups like the WWF — is helping.
• There is a goal to double the number of koalas in eastern Australia by 2050. Since 2021, the WWF and Bangalow Koalas have planted more than 42,000 trees.
• Dale and her family have been very active in encouraging others to take up the initiative.
• The feedback — not just from conservationists, but also from other farmers.
• Dale is able to track koalas on her property, and by using tracking tags, is able to watch them move and thrive.
• The most rewarding part of this project for Dale is seeing individual koalas live beyond their current expected lifespan of five years, which is significantly shorter than their natural lifespan of up to 18 years.
• Common misconceptions about the koala and its habitat.
• Dale’s ultimate dream for the future.

We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.

Links:

Angie Asimus

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Bangalow Koalas

WWF – Australian Koalas

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