Baseline Reporting Period - 2024

The baseline Econd® score for koala population was 0, indicating no activity at the sampled sites, though uncertified activity had been observed previously on the property. This finding is consistent with the conclusion that it takes time to restore habitat and encourage koala populations back to a previously degraded area. The baseline Econd® score for koala habitat was 43. The highest habitat quality was recorded in the eucalypt-dominant ex-plantation areas and the lowest in cleared areas. Despite this, the property showed significant potential for koala habitat restoration.

Recertification Reporting Period 1 - 2025

The 2025 Econd® score for koala population increased from 0 to 1, reflecting the first confirmed detection of koala activity within the monitoring network, recorded at a single sampling site in the eucalypt ex-plantation area (AUc-Euc). This is consistent with an increase in koala activity observed across the property throughout 2025, including multiple male koala sightings at different times of year, audible calls, and male koala bellows recorded by New South Wales (NSW) DCCEEW on acoustic monitors as part of the NSW Koala Strategy monitoring program.

Above-average rainfall in 2025, particularly from autumn through winter and leading into the survey period, may have reduced the detectability of koala scat at some sites, introducing a potential risk of false negatives in the population estimate. Despite this, the increase in the Econd® score alongside these anecdotal indicators is likely responding to demonstrably improved habitat quality across Forest Farm. The result reinforces the conclusion that it takes time to restore habitat and encourage koala populations back to a previously degraded area, and for strategic management decisions to translate into re-emerging koala populations.

The 2025 Econd® score for koala habitat increased from 43 to 47, a 9.3% improvement on the baseline. Remnant and regrowth areas (AUa) increased from 44 to 46, and cleared areas (AUc) showed a notable improvement from 18 to 30, partly reflecting the outcomes of targeted weed control and reforestation activities. Landscape context scores increased across all stratified sections of the property except the Hoop Pine areas (AUc-HP), which remained unchanged at 32 as these areas have not yet been subject to targeted management. Overall, the results reflect a recovering landscape responding slowly but positively to management focused on restoration, conservation and the transition of ex-plantation areas towards a permanent and functional forest.