Drones detect koalas in Hunter Water's backyard
Hunter Water and the University of Newcastle have completed an innovative drone-based survey that confirms a population of endangered koalas continues to live around Grahamstown Dam in Port Stephens.
Using drones fitted with thermal cameras and spotlight technology, the project surveyed more than 2,000 hectares across Hunter Water-managed land as part of Australia’s most comprehensive drone fauna survey ever undertaken within a single local government area.
The partnership aimed to improve knowledge of koala abundance and habitat use while testing new technologies that offer safer, faster and more efficient ways to monitor threatened wildlife.
“Koalas are facing serious threats, and this project is helping us understand where they’re still surviving in the landscape,” said Dr Daniel Livingston, Hunter Water’s Team Leader Science & Research.
“It’s about using innovation to support evidence-based conservation.”
The survey detected at least eight unique koalas across five Hunter Water sites near Grahamstown Dam.
While no koalas were detected on other known habitat areas such as the Tomago Sandbeds, researchers noted the technology could support future translocation or recovery efforts in those areas.
This work is part of Hunter Water’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship and achieving a net gain in biodiversity on its landholdings. It also supports the NSW Koala Strategy and helps ensure compliance with planning approvals around key assets like Grahamstown Dam.
Hunter Water’s Executive Manager Strategy and Engagement, Emma Berry, said the initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to protecting the natural environment while delivering essential services.
“We take our role in sustainability seriously, and this project shows how technology and collaboration can support the conservation of threatened species like the koala.
“By understanding more about where koalas live and how they use our land, we can make better decisions that help protect them for generations to come,” Ms Berry said.
The project used the latest drone technology to remotely detect and identify a range of mammal species in real time. In total, the drones detected 21 species during the survey, including swamp wallabies, sugar gliders and even echidnas, showcasing the potential for this method to enhance biodiversity monitoring across Australia.
Dr Ryan Witt, Research Lead, from the University of Newcastle said that by using drones, they were able to detect koalas quickly and safely across vast areas, and importantly, build a clear baseline of where they are and aren’t surviving.
"The detections at Grahamstown Dam confirm that koalas are still using those habitats, which is encouraging. At the same time, the absence of detections at Tomago tells us just as much. It highlights where further management, restoration or even recovery efforts could be targeted.
Both results are equally important, because they help us prioritise action and direct conservation effort to where it’s needed most," Mr Witt said.
Hunter Water has also recently planted koala feed trees around Grahamstown Dam, helping to support the existing population and improve long-term habitat.
“We’re proud to be playing a role in helping protect one of Australia’s most iconic and vulnerable species,” said Ms Berry
“This project shows what’s possible when water utilities, researchers and communities work together for the environment.”