Major changes made to Kangaroo Island logging rules after shock koala carnage footage

Changes are being made to Kangaroo Island logging rules after shock footage showed koalas falling from trees as they were being cut down.

Logging on Kangaroo Island has again been given the green light after footage of koalas clinging to falling trees was leaked earlier this month, leading to public outcry.

However, the state government has put logging company AAG Investment Management on notice with a raft of new precautionary measures to ensure the catastrophe is not repeated.

Earlier in March, 7NEWS aired footage of loggers razing down blue gum trees as koalas clung to the branches.

On Tuesday, Environment Minister Susan Close announced that the timber company had upgraded their koala management policy at the government’s request, with koala spotters to start one hour before harvest and to stay with loggers all day.

Koala injured during the logging. Picture: Supplied

Additionally, Ms Close said there would also be a senior spotter and more detailed monthly reports would be required, including information on near misses.

Ms Close said the community reaction to the footage “required and immediate response from government”.

“This is why plantation owners now require an improved koala management plan before they can continue to remove the invasive Tasmanian blue gums from the island,” Ms Close said.

“While this improved management plan will allow the company to resume felling, the investigation into any breaches of animal welfare laws is ongoing, as is work on a broader management plan for koalas on the island.”

Ms Close also told 7NEWS that loggers “have to remember that we’ve got eyes on them” and “they need to make sure they’re doing the right things”.

EXCLUSIVE: There has been a major breakthrough in the Kangaroo Island koala crisis with major changes to logging on the island. The company at the centre of the investigation is vowing to improve its practices but it could still face criminal charges. @KimberleyPratt_#7NEWSpic.twitter.com/yheR8YcTrI

— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) March 25, 2024

Footage showed the koalas clinging to the trees as they were being cut down. Picture: 7NEWS

The Advertiser previously published minutes from a meeting held on Monday, March 18 between the Australian Agribusiness Group, KiLand and KI Wildlife Network, as well as other animal campaigners.

The stated aim of the meeting was to move forward together “for a better wildlife welfare outcome within KiLand plantation timber estate”.

According to the Environment Minister’s office, the koala management policy changes include:

• Employing two additional spotters per machine;

• Improving spotters’ training and on-ground communication;

• Allowing approved responders on the property to assess and rescue injured animals;

• A requirement to report incidents within 24 hours, and monthly interactions and operational;

• Activity reports to be provided to authorities;

• Notification of planned harvest activity two weeks prior to harvesting;

• Formalising the relationship between vets, wildlife carers and company; and

• Differentiating koala spotting strategies between structurally stable plantations and those unsafe due to fire impact.

Investigations by the Department for Environment and Water and the RSPCA are ongoing.