Published Friday, 18 May, 2007 at 04:24 PM
Minister for Environment and Multiculturalism
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
Dog owners learn new tricks to help koalas
Dog owners can play a major role in ensuring the survival of koalas, and this weekend’s RSPCA Million Paws Walk is their chance to find out how.
Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers and Redland Shire Council officers would be at the RSPCA Million Paws Walk event at The University of Queensland’s St Lucia campus on 20 May to talk to dog owners about koala conservation.
“The message is ‘Koalas for Keeps’ and it is part of an ongoing education program by QPWS and Redland Shire Council,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“This is a great opportunity for dog owners to learn more about protecting koalas and how their dogs can be ‘koala-friendly’.
“At the end of the walk they can pick up information on the Koala Conservation Plan with maps of koala habitat areas in south-east Queensland, koala food tree information and tips for wildlife-friendly backyards.
“Every dog owner who takes the pledge to be ‘koala-sensitive’ dog owner at the end of the walk will receive a POOch pouch to hold plastic bags when they take their dog walking.
“Along the walk route there will be signs with information on how to be a koala-sensitive dog owner.
“Many Queenslanders don’t realise that dog attacks are the third most significant cause of death for koalas, after car strikes and habitat clearing.
“Our figures show around 1000 koalas are killed every year in south-east Queensland. This figure may be much higher, as many deaths are unreported.
“If you’re taking your dog on the RSPCA Million Paws Walk, use it as an opportunity to find out more about what you can do to help save koalas.
“This may be as simple as keeping your dog inside or housing it in a kennel at night, or erecting a koala exclusion fence around your property to keep koalas out and away from your dog.
“By doing this we can enjoy our pets and our native animals too,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
Don Seccombe, Mayor of Redland Shire, agreed.
“In Redland Shire, we know that it is all about striking the balance between how we look after our dogs and caring for koalas,” Cr Seccombe said.
“We’ve already taken important steps in educating and involving the public through events such as our highly successful, educational Dogs’ Day Out last year.
“Every additional educational program is of value if it prevents attacks on koalas,” he said.
The RSPCA Million Paws Walk this year will be run at 22 locations around Queensland with the main event at St Lucia.
Media contact: Environment Minister’s office Lisa Gilby 3336 8002
Redland Shire Council Billie Gordon 3829 8767
Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers and Redland Shire Council officers would be at the RSPCA Million Paws Walk event at The University of Queensland’s St Lucia campus on 20 May to talk to dog owners about koala conservation.
“The message is ‘Koalas for Keeps’ and it is part of an ongoing education program by QPWS and Redland Shire Council,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“This is a great opportunity for dog owners to learn more about protecting koalas and how their dogs can be ‘koala-friendly’.
“At the end of the walk they can pick up information on the Koala Conservation Plan with maps of koala habitat areas in south-east Queensland, koala food tree information and tips for wildlife-friendly backyards.
“Every dog owner who takes the pledge to be ‘koala-sensitive’ dog owner at the end of the walk will receive a POOch pouch to hold plastic bags when they take their dog walking.
“Along the walk route there will be signs with information on how to be a koala-sensitive dog owner.
“Many Queenslanders don’t realise that dog attacks are the third most significant cause of death for koalas, after car strikes and habitat clearing.
“Our figures show around 1000 koalas are killed every year in south-east Queensland. This figure may be much higher, as many deaths are unreported.
“If you’re taking your dog on the RSPCA Million Paws Walk, use it as an opportunity to find out more about what you can do to help save koalas.
“This may be as simple as keeping your dog inside or housing it in a kennel at night, or erecting a koala exclusion fence around your property to keep koalas out and away from your dog.
“By doing this we can enjoy our pets and our native animals too,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
Don Seccombe, Mayor of Redland Shire, agreed.
“In Redland Shire, we know that it is all about striking the balance between how we look after our dogs and caring for koalas,” Cr Seccombe said.
“We’ve already taken important steps in educating and involving the public through events such as our highly successful, educational Dogs’ Day Out last year.
“Every additional educational program is of value if it prevents attacks on koalas,” he said.
The RSPCA Million Paws Walk this year will be run at 22 locations around Queensland with the main event at St Lucia.
Media contact: Environment Minister’s office Lisa Gilby 3336 8002
Redland Shire Council Billie Gordon 3829 8767