Southeast Queensland (SEQ) mayors have sounded the alarm on declining koala numbers, calling for local and regional funding to safeguard the iconic species.
The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) is seeking a commitment of $50 million over three years to help safeguard the state’s wildlife, including the delivery of koala threat abatement activities and the management of urban flying fox roosts.
“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,” said LGAQ Chief Executive Officer, Alison Smith.
“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.
“In the past, long-term direct funding has not been specifically directed toward council initiatives to help enhance current or planned koala conservation initiatives and actions.”
Ms Smith said Councils are calling for funding certainty to empower them to better plan and deliver local initiatives and keep koalas safe.
“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.”
City of Moreton Bay Mayor, Peter Flannery said the Council was deeply committed to preserving and enhancing the local environment for native fauna and was keen to work with the LGAQ and the State.
“I’m proud that City of Moreton Bay is one of the only local government areas in Queensland that has healthy urban koala populations, but there’s still more to be done,” Mayor Flannery said.
“We’re not sitting on our hands. We’ve allocated a $3 million parcel of land at Dakabin for the much-needed Moreton Bay Wildlife Hospital.
“We welcome the recent funding commitment from the LNP to build this facility and call on other candidates to match this.
“A concerning gap in the SEQ wildlife hospital network means injured local wildlife have to be driven up to two hours for emergency care, but this new facility will significantly reduce travel times and increase wildlife survival rates, while taking a load off hardworking local carers and existing facilities.
“We are delighted to be working alongside the incredible Moreton Bay Wildlife Hospital Foundation to make this facility a reality and support our local wildlife.”
City of Moreton Bay Council also works to protect local koala and wildlife populations through initiatives such as habitat tree plantings; a Green Infrastructure Program which builds crossings, underpasses and koala fencing to protect them from vehicles and a Land Buyback for Environmental Purposes program.
“However, we need more support from the State and Federal Governments and all parties/candidates at this election to commit to this project,” said Mayor Flannery.
Redland City Mayor, Jos Mitchell said the Council understood more than most how important koalas are to Queensland.
“Our city is home to one of our state’s most important koala populations. We need to ensure we have security in future funding to protect one of Australia’s most iconic animals and a symbol of our national identity,” Mayor Mitchell said.
“We have a comprehensive conservation program that focuses on population monitoring, habitat protection, early disease intervention and community education.
“While Council is working hard to protect our koala population, we can’t do it alone – we need support from the Queensland Government to make sure we protect this much loved animal for the long term.”
