Published on Monday, 7 July 2025 at 11:07:59 AM
The City of Albany is partnering with South Coast NRM to deliver two new urban greening sites that will boost canopy connectivity for the endangered Western Ringtail Possum.
This local action forms part of a broader climate-resilient conservation initiative led by South Coast NRM, focused on protecting urban possum populations across the region.
South Coast NRM Urban Possum Project Coordinator Emma Sommerville said protecting urban populations of the critically endangered Western Ringtail Possum requires coordinated, on-the-ground action.
“These new greening sites are a great example of how partnerships can deliver targeted habitat improvements that support climate resilience and biodiversity,” she said.
“We're proud to be working alongside the City of Albany and other local partners to help secure a future for this iconic species, with support through grant funding from the Australian Government’s Saving Native Species Program.”
Western Ringtail Possums face a range of threats, including predation by introduced species, road strikes, and habitat loss and degradation.
Increasing canopy cover and connectivity within urban areas plays a critical role in their survival.
City of Albany Climate and Sustainability Project Officer Kylie Outhwaite said the sites were carefully chosen to benefit both possums and people.
“Havoc Park in Milpara was selected for its proximity to existing possum habitat, and we expect the increased greening will also enhance the park’s amenity, provide shade, and strengthen community connection to nature,” she said.
“The second site along Lower King Road in Oyster Harbour offers another important opportunity to expand habitat corridors for this nationally significant species.”
Southern Aboriginal Corporation Rangers planted the sites with a mix of locally native trees, shrubs and understorey species known to be valuable to Western Ringtail Possums.
To complement the revegetation works, the City and South Coast NRM will also install signage at key possum crossing areas to help reduce vehicle-related possum deaths.
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