A new feature film calling on developers to follow the recommendations of the Chief Scientist in regard to koala populations will be shown at Avoca Beach Theatre on Monday, September 23.
The 6.30pm screening of The Koalas will be followed by a Q&A session with filmmakers Georgia Wallace-Crabbe and Gregory Miller.
The documentary comes at a critical time for koalas and other wild Australian species that rely on bush habitat for their survival.
Scientists have expressed concerns that developers are manipulating the system to appear to be complying with development conditions.
Stories in The Koalas highlight the environmental consequence of ongoing bad planning, over-development and careless disregard for environmental impacts.
The film explores in detail how government agencies are weak and complicit in allowing it to happen.
In the Q&A sessions the audience will be given a chance to discuss other critical issues raised by the film including how NSW Forestry Corporation, a state-owned logging company, is clearing land and taking old growth trees illegally and escalating the scale of logging in what has been declared the future Great Koala National Park.
The film tells the stories of seven individual koalas – Wonnie, Bexley, Tom, Baz, Coral, and joeys Hope and Pala.
It highlights the unique characteristics of koalas, their bond with their young and the dedication of the wildlife carers who devote their time to these animals.
Despite the sombre realities, The Koalas embraces a spirit of hope, with insights from those on the frontline of wildlife rescue and ecology.
Book on the Avoca Beach Theatre website.