Right now, we have a key opportunity to secure long term protection for Queensland’s koala populations.
Just before Christmas last year, the Crisafulli government released a discussion paper for consultation to develop a new strategy for Queensland’s koalas.
Koalas are not just a beloved national icon - they are a living symbol of Australia's natural heritage. But right now, they are sliding toward extinction and Queensland continues to be the deforestation capital of Australia with over 330,000 hectares of forest and woodland bulldozed each year.
Habitat destruction from land clearing, urban expansion, and the growing impacts of climate change have pushed this once-common species to the brink.
By 2030, scientists predict Queensland could lose up to 78% of suitable koala habitat. The east coast of Queensland - where koalas may retreat as a climate refuge - is under intense development pressure, with places like the Redlands "Koala Coast" seeing rapid loss of critical corridors.
In 2020 the Queensland government released the SEQ Koala Conservation Strategy (2020 - 2025) which delivered some strengthened protections for SEQ koala populations. This year, we have an opportunity to secure the strongest protections in Queensland's history as the Crisafulli government prepares a new koala conservation strategy.
Urge the Premier and Minister to take bold and immediate action by introducing a comprehensive koala conservation strategy that includes:
- Expanding the strategy to areas beyond SEQ
- Prohibit further clearing of core koala habitat
- Embedding co-designing of koala protection plans with First Nations Traditional Owners
- Expanding and funding Indigenous ranger programs to lead cultural land management for koala conservation
- Increased funding for habitat restoration and corridor creation
- Scientific monitoring and transparent public reporting of koala population trends
- Community involvement and support for local conservation efforts