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
- 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.
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.
PROGRESS OF THIS PROJECT
The project was completed in 2016.
FNPW has supported the protection of the Redlands Koala population protection since 2010.
PROJECT PARTNERS
Redland City Council is the lead organisation for this project.
Further information about our project partner can be found on their website:
FNPW Koala projects are supported by our partners AGA.