Remarkable comments from @Matt_KeanMP today, whose gov't approved the BHQ expansion. He gave the ABC’s @jakelapham a “message” for @sussanley: “We should be doing everything we can to protect koala habitat. And that includes Brandy Hill.” Full transcript #saveportstephenskoalas

. @Matt_KeanMP: The loss and fragmentation of koala habitat is the number one threatening process for koalas and we’re seeing that right here in Port Stephens.

. @Matt_KeanMP: I think we should be doing everything that we can to protect koala populations and their habitat, and that means securing that habitat into the future.

. @Matt_KeanMP: So my message to the Federal Environment Minister is you should be looking very closely at this Brandy Hill decision because a lot is turning on the decision that you will make.

ABC: Why was it approved before the state government’s biodiversity framework was reviewed in light of the bushfires and, again, isn’t this opening [of the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary] in contradiction to that?

@Matt_KeanMP: What we need to do is ensure the decisions are made based on the best evidence.

.@MattKeanMP: And we know that the bushfires have had a huge impact on our koala populations and our native habitat. So that’s why the Federal Environment Minister should be taking that into account before she makes her decision.

ABC: The Brandy Hill Quarry expansion was approved after the bushfires...

. @Matt_KeanMP: Well these are matters for the Planning Minister. But certainly as far as I’m concerned as the Environment Minister, we should be doing everything that we can to protect koala habitat. And that includes Brandy Hill.

ABC: Do you support the clearing of the land?

. @Matt_KeanMP: I support protecting koala habitat and doubling our koala populations and that's why every decision that I'm taking is geared towards ensuring that.