How does desalinated water help koalas?

Sydney Desalination Plant (SDP) and Veolia have announced a major expansion of their environmental partnership.

The organisations have committed to scaling the onsite eucalypt plantation at Kurnell to 2000 trees to support local wildlife and help feed Sydney’s koala population.

Building on the success of an initial plantation at the site in 2020, planting has commenced to scale up the habitat.

The expanded plantation, delivered in close collaboration with Symbio Wildlife Park, serves as a vital, sustainable food source for koalas in care while supporting broader native habitat regeneration at Kurnell.

The initiative is part of SDP’s commitment to local ecology and part of an investment of more than $100,000 annually in onsite environmental projects, including the dedicated conservation area covering a third of the plant site area.

“We are incredibly proud to manage more than just drinking water infrastructure; we are caretakers of this unique coastal environment,” said Philip Narezzi, Sydney Desalination Plant’s Chief Executive Officer.

“Our expanded partnership with Veolia and Symbio Wildlife Park allows us to use our land to make a tangible, positive contribution to Country and community. This project is a great example of how SDP’s role extends far beyond producing high-quality drinking water, ensuring we secure a local food source for Sydney’s koalas while restoring the natural biodiversity of the Kurnell Peninsula.”

The Kurnell site’s coastal footprint provides a suitable environment for eucalypt rehabilitation. Under Veolia’s environmental management teams, the newly planted trees will be carefully nurtured to guarantee high-yield, nutrient-rich foliage for Symbio Wildlife Park’s conservation programs.

“Working alongside SDP, we have successfully proven that industrial sites can coexist with thriving native ecosystems,” said Dan Spiller, Veolia’s Chief Operating Officer. “Scaling this plantation to 2000 trees is a wonderful example of environmental security in action. It’s a proud moment for our onsite team, who work daily to monitor and protect local wildlife and marine environments.”

Brodie Meney, Symbio Wildlife Park’s Marketing Operations Manager, said, “Koalas are notoriously selective eaters, and access to fresh, high-quality eucalypt is essential for their health and wellbeing. We welcome the expansion of our partnership with SDP, as the plantation provides a reliable local supply to support the koalas in our care and plays an important role in the ongoing conservation of our national icon, now listed as endangered in NSW.”

The trees have been planted alongside a dedicated 15-hectare conservation area that was established as part of SDP’s environmental sustainability commitments, which also include operating the plant using 100% green energy sourced from wind farms.

Image caption: SDP and Veolia’s eucalypt project. Image: Supplied