Governance Framework | Koala Country | Environment and Heritage

The NSW Koala Strategy is underpinned by a governance framework that ensures achievement, accountability and ethical behaviour.

Our governance framework has four main bodies, explore the information below to find out more.

Koala Strategy Program Board

The NSW Koala Strategy Program Board ensures the Koala Strategy achieves its targets on time and on budget while minimising risk.

Meeting frequency	Monthly
Membership	Chaired by Executive Director, Biodiversity and Conservation Representation from Environment Energy and Science (EES) divisions, including directors responsible for overseeing delivery of funded actions.
Responsibilities	Overseeing delivery of the Strategy Actively managing risks Ensuring projects remain relevant, feasible and targeted

Koala Interagency Committee

The Koala Interagency Committee facilitates whole-of-government collaboration in delivery of the Strategy and addressing matters impacting koala conservation across NSW.

Meeting frequency	Biannual
Membership	Chaired by Executive Director, Biodiversity and Conservation Executives from NSW Government agencies and statutory organisations (external to EES) who are responsible for delivering actions under the NSW Koala Strategy and other matters impacting koala conservation across NSW
Responsibilities	Advising on any other work being undertaken by NSW Government agencies or statutory organisations that may contribute to or impact on meeting the NSW Koala Strategy's conservation targets and commitments Facilitating collaborative work across government agencies and statutory organisations to support implementation of the NSW Koala Strategy

Koala Strategy Independent Expert Panel

The purpose of the Expert Panel is to provide scientific advice and expertise related to koala conservation measures in NSW, including to support implementation and review of the Program, and other matters as requested.

The Expert Panel provides advice to the Minister for Environment and Heritage, the Chief Scientist and Engineer, Koala Strategy program implementation groups, and Koala Strategy program managers on Koala Strategy program progress and priorities.

Meeting frequency	Twice a year (additional meetings as required)
Membership	Chaired by Chris Armstrong, Deputy Chief Scientist and Engineer Independent experts/advisors in relevant fields including koala ecology, koala habitat conservation, koala threat mitigation, monitoring, genetics, community engagement, and cultural knowledge
Responsibilities	Provide independent expert advice to the Minister on progress in reversing the decline of koalas in NSW Provide the strategy’s annual progress report to the Minister for Environment and Heritage Review completed strategy work and provide advice on priorities for the coming 6-12 months, in the context of achieving the strategy’s five yearly targets Identify knowledge gaps and science priorities for research Contribute to an adaptive management approach for the strategy, by providing advice, recommendations, and guidance for new priorities and adjustments as required Monitoring data including estimates of koala populations and trends, extent and condition of habitat and research findings to ensure the strategy is meeting targets and goals In 2026, review progress made over the previous five years towards reversing the decline of koalas in NSW In 2026, providing advice to inform new actions and targets for the following five years to meet the 30-year goal.

Aboriginal Advisory Panel

Aboriginal communities have a strong role to play in ensuring the long-term health of koalas and their habitat. The NSW Government established the Aboriginal Advisory Panel to provide cultural and community guidance and advice to the implementation and delivery of the NSW Koala Program.

Meeting frequency

Monthly

Membership

Participants are sought from the following NSW regions:

- Northern Rivers (Bundjalung)
- Coffs Harbour (Gumbaynggirr)
- Northern Tablelands (Anaiwan)
- Liverpool Plains (Gamilaroi)
- Mid-coast NSW (Birpai)
- South West Sydney (Dharawal)
- Southern Highlands (Gundungurra)
- Southern Tablelands, (Ngarigo) and the
- Far South Coast (Yuin)

Panel positions held by Aboriginal people with experience in koala conservation
New members may be self-nominated, nominated by someone else or invited
Nominated members must be endorsed by the existing Panel and supported by local elders
Panel members not representing the NSW Government are remunerated in accordance with the Classification and Remuneration Framework for NSW Government Boards and Committees.

Responsibilities

Ensure traditional cultural cohesion is considered
Build an effective and collaborative relationship between community and government
Provide a platform for community voice and opportunities for community to be involved and make decisions
Share information and opportunities from the Koala program to community
Share relevant information and perspectives from community to government
Provide peer support and mentoring
Provide capacity building, and identify partnership and economic opportunities
Empower local Aboriginal communities
Work towards good outcomes for koala conservation

To learn more or to register your interest in joining the Panel contact [email protected]