Port Stephens Council says it is acutely aware of the need to protect a vulnerable koala population from the perils of development.

The Planning Department has approved a 33-lot housing development at Salamander Bay with the proviso council revegetates an existing koala corridor and removes powerlines.

Fears are being raised for koalas across Australia, with increased calls for them to be listed as endangered.

The council’s natural resources coordinator, Sally Whitehall, says it is important to ensure houses do not encroach on their habitat.

“Best case scenario is that you don’t have to have koalas moving through residential areas because then they’re always prone to vehicles and dogs,” she said.

“But obviously it has to happen sometimes so the best thing we can do is make those corridors as wide and as strong as possible.”

Port Stephens Council says it is acutely aware of the need to protect a vulnerable koala population from the perils of development.

The Planning Department has approved a 33-lot housing development at Salamander Bay with the proviso council revegetates an existing koala corridor and removes powerlines.

Fears are being raised for koalas across Australia, with increased calls for them to be listed as endangered.

The council’s natural resources coordinator, Sally Whitehall, says it is important to ensure houses do not encroach on their habitat.

“Best case scenario is that you don’t have to have koalas moving through residential areas because then they’re always prone to vehicles and dogs,” she said.

“But obviously it has to happen sometimes so the best thing we can do is make those corridors as wide and as strong as possible.”