The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) area manager Glenn Storrie said the purpose of the survey, running since 2013, is to monitor koala numbers in the park over time and volunteer places are available on the survey teams.

“We are aiming to understand how the koala population in the national park fluctuates over time,” said Mr Storrie.

“Community volunteers will be trained and equipped to conduct night-time surveys recording the presence of koala and any other wildlife they might encounter,” he said.

“This is an exciting wildlife survey program in which we invest considerable time and effort to provide training and expertise for volunteers.

“Teams walk the park’s trails using gear supplied, such as spotlights and audio equipment, and will be supervised by a ranger.

“The program has proved to be popular with locals and is providing the NPWS with valuable data on one of the most important koala populations in the state”, said Mr Storrie.

“The surveys are conducted just after sunset in the middle of the koala breeding season in late September to early October, a time when koalas are on the move and most vocal.

Volunteers will be required to do one 2 hour survey every 4 nights, a total of 5 nights work over 16 days.

An information and training day for prospective volunteers will be conducted from the NPWS office at the Coffs Harbour Jetty on Sunday 18 September.

Those interested in participating in the program or who would like to know more about it are urged to contact Ranger Martin Smith at the NPWS Coffs Harbour office on 66520 900 or by e-mailing him atmartin.smith@environment.nsw.gov.au.