DOG OWNERS WILL LEARN NEW TRICKS TO HELP KOALAS

QueenslandParks and Wildlife (QPWS) staff and a television star will be at the Spectacular Petacular this weekend to educate dog owners on how they can help save koalas.

Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said that as part of an ongoing education program, QPWS rangers and TV celebrity Ranger Stacey would be at the Spectacular Petacular at the RNA Showgrounds on 17-18 March to talk to dog owners about how they could contribute to koala conservation.

“Many Queenslanders don’t realise dog attacks are the third most significant cause of death for koalas after being hit by cars and tree clearing.

“QPWS figures show about 1000 koalas are killed every year in south-east Queensland and this figure may be much higher because many deaths are unreported.”

Ms Nelson-Carr urged people, particularly dog owners, attending the Spectacular Petacular to find out what they could do to help save koalas.

“This may be as simple as keeping your dog inside or housing it in a kennel at night, or keeping koalas out and away from your dog with a koala exclusion fence around your property.

“By doing this we can enjoy our pets and our native animals too.”

At the QPWS stand there will be information on the recently released Koala Conservation Plan with maps of koala habitat areas in south-east Queensland, koala food tree information and tips for wildlife friendly backyards.

There will also be a koala on display.

Visitors who pledge to protect koalas will receive a koala friendly dog tag or car key ring.

Media contact: Andie Gatti 3336 8002