18 October 2021
Published 10 June 2020
The world-leading koala research team at Endeavour Veterinary Ecology (EVE) have been approved for another two years funding, following a unanimous vote by Moreton Bay Region councillors today.
Mayor Peter Flannery said EVE’s results speak for themselves.
“For me this decision was a no-brainer, EVE have achieved a 22% increase each year in the koala population at The Mill since their program began in June 2017,” the Mayor said.
“At the start of the project there were 45 koalas identified on the site but as of last week, we have counted 86 koalas with 27 dependant joeys, who will join the koala monitoring program at 12 months of age.
“Clearly we must continue investing in this success, in fact I hope other councils take a leaf from our book and talk to EVE about how they might replicate our success.
“We aren’t perfect, but we are leading the way. Frankly it’s a mediocre ambition to simply aim for the survival of koalas, we must help them adapt and thrive for generations to come – especially as human populations grow and the global climate changes.
“As a pilot project, The Mill has already shown how through careful planning we can successfully grow koala populations alongside major development.
“In fact I’m happy to introduce any Mayor or councillor around the country to meet Jon Hangar and the amazing team at EVE so you can understand the importance of their work firsthand.
“EVE combined veterinary care with ecological expertise, ensuring that both the animals’ welfare and the health of their environment is scientifically cared for.
“Their service is unparalleled anywhere in the country; with round-the-clock vets available for emergency care, a fully equipped surgery with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, and permanent staff of ecological scientists and wildlife specialists.
“The positive population growth we’ve achieved is thanks to their tagging, tracking and regularly monitoring the health of the local koala population.
“I’m sure this growth rate will continue at the site as EVE takes on phase four of their program, over the next two years.
“To support this growth, we’ve also completed koala habitat revegetation in John Oxley Reserve east of The Mill site and installed wildlife crossing road infrastructure to keep native wildlife safe.
“As elected officials we are duty-bound to act in the interests of residents, and I believe we are morally-bound to act in the interests our native animals and environment.
“Council is committed to working with local wildlife groups, research partners and all levels of government to build community awareness of koala conservation and to implement initiatives that support this iconic species.
“Because I want environmental management to be taken just as seriously as population growth management and development.”
Phase four of the program will begin next month (July).