Koala Action Bushcare Plantings lge - Australian Wildlife Charity - FNPW

Redlands Koala planting

A Plant a Tree for Me Project

  • YEAR: 2016
  • STATE: Queensland
  • FOCUS AREAS: Environmental Education/Healing our Land/Saving Species/SDG 15: Life on Land

Listed as ‘vulnerable’ the Koala Coast Koala is one of Australia’s most significant koala populations. However, living in this urban environment has taken its toll.

Since 1996 Koala numbers have declined by 80% due to habitat loss and fragmentation, disease, car strikes and dog attacks. With FNPW funding an ongoing partnership between Redland City Council, the community and the Koala Bushcare Group has seen a series of community tree planting events, providing a proactive way for people to directly help Koalas and other local wildlife.

FNPW support

This project was funded through generous donations from FNPW supporters across Australia and beyond.

Project overview

Community ownership is encouraged as locals are invited to plant trees and learn about koalas. Before the plantings, fewer Koalas could survive in the area, and were at higher risk of being hit by cars or attacked by dogs as they travelled further afield in search of food. Now their habitats are expanding so they can have a brighter future in the Redlands.

Over 140 volunteers plant over 3200 seedlings including 300 koala food source trees across 3 parklands at 5 events in 4 months thanks to the supporters of FNPW’s Plant a Tree for Me initiative.

Covering 1000m2 new and 2000m2 of enhanced Koala habitat the plantings will link remnant Koala habitat areas and enlarge existing bushland areas. Redland City Council will maintain these areas with waterings and weed maintenance ensuring they grow into mature forests.

The 300 food trees are planted on fertile coastal soil so Koalas can start feeding on them in as little as 5 years. They’ll become an important additional food source.

The project’s aim is to increase and link the habitat in urban areas, with the intention of increasing survival rates of Koalas. Through these tree planting events and associated advertising, increased awareness is raised within the community providing an important role in education, engagement and in spreading the conservation message.

The enthusiasm of the volunteers enthusiasm has been instrumental in the success of the project and with ongoing support future projects like this can continue not only in Queensland, but right across this great land we call home.

Preserving, increasing and connecting habitat is essential for the survival of the Redland City Council population of Koala Coast Koalas in Queensland.

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to join in community plantings and conservation projects throughout our National & Regional Parks.

koala-in-leaves Image Courtesy of Shirley Kirkwood

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

FNPW supports projects across Australia. In the spirit of reconciliation we acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.

Koala Community Volunteers - National Parks and Wildlife Australia - FNPW

PROGRESS OF THIS PROJECT

The project was completed in 2016.

FNPW has supported the protection of the Redlands Koala population protection since 2010.

koala-in-tree

PROJECT PARTNERS

Redland City Council is the lead organisation for this project.

Further information about our project partner can be found on their website:

www.redland.qld.gov.au

FNPW Koala projects are supported by our partners AGA.

Related Projects

Plant a Tree for Me!

Plant a Tree for Me! projects focus on Australian native species conservation through habitat restoration and revegetation projects.

Koala Tree Planting

Over the past 20 years more than 70% of the Manna Gum community has been lost and without intervention we will lose this unique and rare habitat type, along with the koalas and many other plants and animals that rely on it.

Habitats for Koalas in the Otways

The Great Otway National Park and surrounding private land is a region of high biodiversity and tourism value, especially for the high densities of koala populations. However, over-browsing by koalas has contributed to a marked decline in tree condition, particularly Eucalyptus viminalis (manna gum). This project aims to provide information on koala habitat use, tree species selection and koala movements between habitats in the Otways.

FNPW Koala Projects

The Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife funds numerous projects to conserve one of Australia’s most iconic species, Koalas. Koala populations in Queensland, New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory are listed as vulnerable.