Council
21 January, 2024
Funding to help protect koalas
The Albanese Government is injecting almost $800,000 to protect koalas in conservation parks spanning the Moreton Bay and Wide Bay–Burnett regions.
A significant portion of these funds will be allocated to strategic projects aimed at utilising cutting-edge conservation technology to restore and safeguard over 350 hectares of koala habitat.
The City of Moreton Bay and R&M Wiseman Investments are set to benefit from this investment, leading two projects in the rapidly expanding Moreton Bay area.
These initiatives will leverage new conservation tech to enhance koala habitat connectivity, mitigate fire risks posed by weeds, and prevent koalas from encroaching into highly urbanised areas.
The utilisation of drones to monitor koala populations will support the regeneration of native plants crucial for the species’ survival.
In addition to the Moreton Bay projects, three other initiatives managed by Koala Action Gympie Region Inc, Noosa and District Landcare Group Inc, and Ecollaboration Ltd will see the planting of 11,500 koala trees in conservation parks near Gympie, Noosa, and Eumundi.
These projects collectively aim to create a positive impact by planting native flora, removing fire-prone weeds, and utilising drones to monitor and protect koala populations. Koalas are currently listed as endangered in Queensland, NSW, and the ACT.
This investment forms part of the Albanese Government’s $76m Saving Koalas Fund, dedicated to the protection and restoration of the species and their habitats nationwide.
Minister for the Environment and Water, the Hon Tanya Plibersek, emphasised the importance of local involvement, stating, “Communities across Australia play a crucial role in protecting and conserving this beloved animal.”
“No-one wants to imagine an Australia without the koalas,” Ms Plibersek said.
“The Albanese Labor Government is making sure our kids and grandkids will still be able to see koalas in the wild.
“Communities across Australia play a crucial role in protecting and conserving this beloved animal. This funding is about supporting local groups to do what they do best – getting communities involved in protecting this iconic species.
Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Education, Senator Anthony Chisholm, highlighted the need to balance population growth with wildlife preservation.
City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said, “This ... is welcome news for City of Moreton Bay, and we thank the Federal Government for their support to help protect the habitat of this iconic species.
“The grant funded a thermal imagery drone survey across Brian Burke and McDowalls Road Reserves, with 20 adult koalas identified in the project area.”
