Air Force tree planting project for koalas grows

RAAF

The Williamtown Koala Feed Community Project is on track to deliver more trees to safeguard native koalas.

With the original goal of planting 5000 trees representing one for every uniformed and staff member who serves and works at RAAF Base Williamtown, Air Force and civilian volunteers are set to well exceed this goal which will provide more feedstock for Port Stephen’s Koala Rescue Service.
Senior Australian Defence Force Officer RAAF Base Williamtown, Group Captain Peter Cluff said he is proud of what has been achieved:
“The project is on track to deliver around 15,000 trees which is well beyond the initial goal of the project.”
Planning for the project commenced in May 2019 with the Base offering assistance; identifying vacant Defence land at Lavis Lane to support the cultivation of the feedstock for the koala hospital.
The Port Stephens Koala Rescue Service supports the care for injured, sick and orphaned koalas and the support from RAAF Base Williamtown and project participants will have a positive impact on the native koala populations; assisting them to thrive under the initiative.
Since its commencement the Williamtown Koala Feed Community Project has gained momentum through active volunteer support:
“The tripling of our goal is an extraordinary effort – and is a reflection of the passion and enthusiasm of our Base community; to come together in support of this important project.
“This was demonstrated once again by the volunteers who supported the next phase of planting which occurred on 28 August.
“It is just another way our Air Force personnel are serving the community.” Group Captain Cluff said.
The Williamtown Koala Feed Community Project has been proudly supported by personnel and staff at RAAF Base Williamtown, Estate and Infrastructure Group, members of the Port Stephen’s Koala Rescue Service, Joint Strike Fighter Division, Newcastle Airport, Port Stephens Council, Worimi Community members as well as regional business and services – working together as ‘one community’.
For more information, please visit the following links about the commencement of the project:
/Public Release. View in full here.