Council
18 October, 2024
Moreton and Somerset want more koala funds
Southeast Queensland (SEQ) mayors have sounded the alarm on declining koala numbers, calling for local and regional funding to safeguard this iconic species.
Local Government Association Queensland (LGAQ) chief executive officer Alison Smith said SEQ councils placed wildlife protection as an important conservation and liveability priority, but they aren’t being seen as a key partner in informing these priorities by the State Government.
“Local governments play an important role in identifying local koala habitats and have a key role in coordinating local programs and initiatives on-the-ground through the South-East Queensland Koala Conservation Strategy 2020-2025,” Ms Smith said.
“SEQ councils are well placed to inform local and regional initiatives with many having a range of on-the-ground koala conservation programs, including partnering with community and academic partners to better understand and protect their local koala population.”
According to Ms Smith, long-term direct funding has not been specifically directed toward council initiatives in the past, to help enhance current or planned koala conservation initiatives and actions.
“This State Election provides a chance to maximise local co-investment opportunities of the State Government and SEQ councils that see more money spent in delivering on-ground initiatives,” she said.
“Councils take koala conservation seriously and are calling for direct funding support from State political leaders at the upcoming election to help protect the iconic species.”
