BETTER FUTURE FOR KOALAS UNDER NEW PLAN

Protecting Queensland’s dwindling koala population is the focus of a $2.1 million Plan which comes into effect across South East Queensland today.

Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the Nature Conservation (Koala) Plan 2006 and Management Program 2006-2016 (the Koala Plan) set out clear guidelines on the management and conservation of koalas in Queensland and was an important tool in the fight to protect their species.

“From today (2 October) there will be a strong focus on initiatives to protect and maintain koala habitats and develop strategies to reduce the risk of them becoming extinct.

“Koalas are at risk and the Beattie Government is committed to protecting them and ensuring they are still around for future generations.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said the Plan would deal with the threats koalas face and set out strategies to stop the decline of their species including:

·Habitat protection and vegetation clearing;

·Managing development and land use in koala habitat areas;

·Reducing the number of koalas killed by cars; and

·Reducing the number of koalas killed by dogs.

“This will mean working closely with developers and local councils to set limits on the expansion of urban development in South East Queensland and implement koala friendly design where possible.

“It will also encompass a public education campaign conducted in partnership with the community, local councils, dog industry representatives and dog owners to increase responsible dog ownership.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said the Plan was the result of extensive community consultation and scientific research which highlighted the need to incorporate koala conservation into planning and development activities within areas known to be important koala habitats to stop the declining koala population in SEQ,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“While the Koala Plan covers all areas of Queensland that are known to be koala habitat, the areas most affected are in SEQ where koalas are listed as vulnerable.

“These include areas around Beaudesert, Boonah, Brisbane, Caboolture, Caloundra, Esk, Gatton, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Kilcoy, Laidley, Logan, Maroochy, Noosa, PineRivers, Redcliffe, Redlands, and Toowoomba.

“We will be working closely with local councils, business, developers and the community to implement the plan.

“It is important we work together to protect these precious animals before it is too late.”

More information on the Koala Plan can be found at www.epa.qld.gov.au

Media contact: Karla Steen 3336 8004 or Andie Gatti 3336 8002