Port Stephens Council wants a fast-tracked state assessment of thousands of new homes at Kings Hill—a site previously deemed unsuitable for development by the Regional Planning Panel and Land and Environment Court.

Two other areas of Kings Hill, known as Precincts 6 and 7, are currently being assessed by Port Stephens Council. Precinct 7 and the already approved Monarchs Rise development, are both situated within an already fragmented fauna corridor.

This push to develop a new suburb on threatened species habitat is to meet State housing quotas.

A 2018 survey confirmed the area is home to an active koala breeding hub and is also home to other threatened species like Phascogales, Grey-headed Flying Foxes, and Grey-crowned Babblers.

A shocking 2024 genetic report shows Port Stephens koalas are on the brink of local extinction, split into isolated populations after decades of poor planning and piecemeal habitat clearance.

• Koalas at Kings Hill have split into two isolated clusters with no obvious apparent genetic flow between them.

Koalas on Tilligerry and Tomaree peninsulas are even less likely to survive unless habitat is urgently reconnected. 

More development will push these koalas closer to extinction.

The time to act is now!

Kings Hill must be permanently off-limits for development.

Port Stephens Council must:

• Explore smarter, sustainable housing alternatives.
• Protect. manage, and restore habitat connections.
• Collaborate on koala and habitat recovery plans.

We need integrated planning and habitat protection-not more fragmentation.

All government levels have driven koalas toward extinction. We must hold them accountable and demand change.

Please sign this petition, share it, and contact ministers, local members, and councillors to demand responsible planning and urgent action to save Port Stephens' koalas.