A major new partnership between GM3 Dendrobium Mine, the Symbio Conservation Foundation, and Symbio Wildlife Park will deliver a three-year $450,000 investment in large-scale conservation projects across the Illawarra Escarpment and Plateau, strengthening efforts to protect threatened wildlife species throughout Mount Kembla.
The new investment will support the Mount Kembla Integrated Threatened Species & Habitat Recovery Program. Led by the Symbio Conservation Foundation, the program brings together researchers, government agencies, local schools, Traditional Owners and community organisations.
It includes a suite of science-based conservation activities aimed at better understanding and protecting biodiversity in the Illawarra, with a significant portion of this work to be undertaken on GM3-owned land that has already been mined underground. Projects will focus on improving habitat for threatened species, building long-term monitoring capacity, strengthening research partnerships and actively involving the local community in conservation efforts.
This investment builds on an existing collaboration between Symbio and GM3, with funding provided through GM3’s Dendrobium Mine Community Grants Program. The partnership has already delivered meaningful outcomes, including the development of innovative education tools such as the KoalAR augmented reality conservation app.
Simon Thomas, General Manager of Dendrobium Mine, said the partnership reflects GM3’s commitment to supporting local initiatives that deliver value to the Illawarra and its communities.
“GM3 is proud to operate in the Illawarra, and we’re equally proud to support the organisations and projects that provide lasting benefits for the region,” Mr Thomas said.
“Our existing partnership with Symbio has already produced strong conservation outcomes and meaningful community initiatives, so expanding that work was a natural next step.”
“Importantly, much of this work is occurring on GM3 land that has already been mined under, demonstrating that mining and conservation can and do co-exist.”
“Alongside this, the investment will expand educational programs, youth engagement and opportunities for Indigenous participation.”
Symbio Wildlife Park’s Kevin Fallon said the partnership highlights the important role collaboration plays in protecting wildlife and habitat.
“This partnership demonstrates the level at which local industry and conservation organisations can work together to achieve meaningful environmental outcomes at scale,” Mr Fallon said.
“Over the past few years, our collaboration with GM3 has already delivered important conservation outcomes for species like Greater Gliders and Koalas, providing the first large-scale abundance mapping for the region while also helping inspire the next generation through innovative education initiatives.”
“This new three-year partnership allows us to expand that work significantly, building long-term scientific datasets, restoring habitat, and developing practical conservation solutions that will benefit wildlife across the Illawarra Escarpment and Plateau.”
