They're not quite a pub, but Armidale's thirsty koalas now have several new watering holes to drink from.
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Ten water feeders were installed around Armidale in an area between Mount Duvall and Rockvale Road and will be replenished by volunteers from Southern New England Landcare and the Armidale Tree Group.
The feeders came from an $11,000 state government grant announced by Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, who said they would be a lifeline for local koalas at risk of dying of thirst.
"First drought decimates their eucalypt supply, then fire rips through their homes. Of all the native species currently doing it tough, our koala populations are really suffering," he said.
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"These waterers, built by Warialda manufacturer Turner's Steele, hold 200 litres each and have been installed close to the ground for easy access.
"Armidale Regional Council identified appropriate locations for the waterers with the support of researchers David Carr and John Lemon, who have monitored the movements of local koala populations for four years."
Mr Marshall said a relatively healthy population of koalas was believed to exist in the Mount Duval Tilbuster area.
He said drinking stations were successfully installed in other parts of NSW where koalas and other native wildlife have used them throughout the year.
Armidale Mayor Simon Murray said council was pleased to partner with the state government and local environmental groups to help protect our koalas.
"Koalas are suffering from dehydration and travelling far for water - this will help keep some of them in their own territory," Cr Murray said.
"Koalas are especially vulnerable to predators and being hit by vehicles when they walk significant distances in search of water and hopefully these feeders limit that risk.
"This fantastic announcement coincides with a koala tracking program to learn more about the locations and movements of our local koalas, so we can do more to assist the population."
