A call to the Koala in Care hotline alerted Essential Energy and Greater Taree City Council to the imminent threat. Staff of each organisation rallied to try to save the koala who is now named "Zapper".

Zapper is said to have entered the Greater Taree City Council work site along Gloucester Road, near Wingham, where he proceeded to climb the power pole. 

"Our priority was to stop the koala from coming into contact with the electricity wires," wrote Christeen McLeod of Koalas in Care, on their Facebook page. 

"For these types of rescues it is important that all safety issues are taken care of and that's why we must have Essential Energy staff on site for their expertise." 

Watch the video of the rescue:

Christeen says this incident was a potentially deadly situation, but they were very pleased about the outcome. 

Zapper will be checked over and E-tagged before being released. 

Christeen says koala activity will soon pick up in the area as breeding season starts in Spring. 

Zapper is the eighth koala rescue in recent weeks. 

If you see a koala that is in a distressing situation or is diseased contact Koalas in Care on their 24-hour hotline 6552 2183.

Manning River Times