Bluesfest 2010

In response to a request from Bluesfest organisers and following a government review of biodiversity issues we undertook a comprehensive habitat assessment and koala radio-tracking program on the new Bluesfest site at Tyagarah to the north of Byron Bay. A relatively large koala population occurs in the immediate area of the festival property, individuals of which also use the festival site itself. We  had up to 11 koalas in the radiotracking program over the 3 month lead up to the festival, and we continued to monitor their movements until July 2010, the objective to determine whether or not any adverse impact had occurred.

The Bluesfest koalas have proven to be a very interesting population; all external signs (small head & body size) point to possible inbreeding, something that is being investigating further through DNA profiling. The results of this analysis will inform future management actions on the site, aspects of which may actually include the introduction of additional animals to lift the level of genetic vigor. Regardless of the outcome, koalas and their management will need to remain an integral feature of all future Bluesfest events.