Australian State Builds New Koala Sanctuary For Tens Of Millions Of Dollars
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PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Australian officials are announcing a new project to protect one of the country's most famous natives.
The state of New South Wales has set aside more than 123,000 acres as a home for koala bears.
Our declining koala population will soon have far more space to call home as the State Government unveils a new multi-million-dollar protection plan. @DaltsWorld #9News pic.twitter.com/j7qHzpNCjJ
— 9News Sydney (@9NewsSyd) May 6, 2018
NSW Premier Gladys Berejikilian, who leads the Australian state's government, made the announcement at Taronga Zoo in Sydney.
The official strategy is aptly named the NSW Koala Strategy.
Authorities say they will line roads with fences to keep the koalas out of harm's way, establish an injury hotline, and build a koala hospital.
We have launched the biggest plan ever to protect our koalas in NSW. @gabrielleupton #koalas #NSW https://t.co/Me2LWAPb88 pic.twitter.com/zLJbtdgArZ
— Gladys Berejiklian (@GladysB) May 6, 2018
The initiative will be allotted $44.7 million over three years.
There are about 36,000 wild koalas in New South Wales.