Calls for more green space after koala found 'living in' tree on Raglan Parade

When Warrnambool resident Peter Nielsen spotted a koala crossing Raglan Parade just metres from the Gateway Plaza intersection, he feared the worst.

But the lights had just turned red, allowing the koala to return to a tree located on the median strip.

"It's insane," Mr Nielsen said.

"I saw the koala so fortuitously pick when the lights were changing to cross the road to not get run over. Had it tried at any other time, five seconds earlier or later, it would have been run over because the traffic was so heavy.

"I'm an animal-lover, but it's not only about the koala - it was a hazard to people and property."

After calling Wildlife Victoria, Mr Nielsen was told the koala was 'known' and was 'living in' the tree, but could not be moved unless by an authorised DELWP officer.

But a DELWP spokesperson said primary responsibility lay with Warrnambool City Council.

"Warrnambool City Council is the responsible agency as being the land manager," a spokesman said.

"Intervention or disturbance would not be allowed unless the koala is sick, injured or orphaned and only as a last resort.

"If the koala was relocated to another location, it would be in a similar area or in its home range and therefore it's possible the Koala would still return to the current location."

Mr Nielsen agreed "the crux of the issue (was) the management of green space".

"It is imperative that local councils have effective policies to save green spaces that currently exist and to create new green spaces into the future," he said.

In a statement, a council spokesman said striking a balance between development and native habitat was "a challenge".

"Managing the interface between urban areas and wildlife habitat will always be a challenge," he said.

"We're fortunate in that we have corridors along our rivers which provide wildlife habitat along with the revegetated area along the Flume which also provides a refuge for wildlife.

"Lake Pertobe is home to a number of native bird species and Council is raising awareness of native species through the Bioquest game and the Gardens for Wildlife pilot project.

"Warrnambool also has a number of community groups which pro-actively work to enhance conservation values in public spaces including Making A Difference for the Merri, Warrnambool Coastcare Landcare Network, Merri Wetlands Protection Group, Friends of Merri Marine Sanctuary, Friends of Platypus Park and Russell's Creek Urban Forest Group, Warrnambool Australian Plants Society the Merri River Alliance and the Clean Oceans Collective."

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He said future plans for more open spaces were underway.

"Planning connected open spaces that allow for the safer movement of wildlife is one action Council is able to take," he said.

"For example, the South of the Merri Open Space Precinct Plan aims to improve access and connections between seven parks adjoining the south side of the Merri River between St James Park and Manuka Drive in Warrnambool," the spokesperson said.

"It provides recommendations that help restore, recognise, connect and activate the riverside corridor.

"The plan provides for improved connections between future open space corridors to the north, and established communities to the south. The precinct also represents an important connection point between the existing Russell's Creek Corridor, and the future trails north of the Merri River as outlined in the North of Merri Structure Plan.

"Key recommendations include restoration of the wetland at Woodend Road Reserve, connected riverside trails, recognition of cultural values, and activation of the riverside parks, include a community space at Queens Road Reserve."

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