In Episode 4 of Wildlife Ahead, hosts James and Elysee are in Western Sydney and Northern NSW, trying to wrap their heads around how Australia’s housing crisis, loneliness epidemic, and habitat loss are connected.

 

As Australia’s population continues to grow and our cities expand further into bushland, threatening our much-loved species with habitat loss, perhaps it’s time to rethink the Australian dream of a family home with a big backyard.

James and Elysee travel to Western Sydney and chat with aquatic ecologist, Dr Michelle Ryan, about how new housing developments are threatening the habitats of platypus that still, miraculously, live in the area.

Then, on the NSW North Coast, the pair visit Koala Beach, a development area that was specially designed to retain 75% of the area as koala habitat. They speak with Irene Tims, a Koala Beach resident, and Deborah Tabart, who helped negotiate the protection of koalas in the area.

Finally, former QLD Chief Scientist, Hugh Possingham, shares why he supports higher density housing, not just to help save habitat and species, but to benefit people too.

Tune in now to learn more about how Australia’s desire for large houses is hurting the nature we love!

Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

 

Feature photo by Emerald City to Oz on Flickr | Licence

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