27 August 2021
Published 30 January 2020
To mark the 500th meeting of Moreton Bay Regional Council, Councillors today started the planting of 500 koala habitat trees.
Acting Mayor Mike Charlton said the trees would symbolise Council’s commitment to growing our region’s liveability and sustainability long into the future.
“These tallowwood trees (eucalyptus microcorys) will grow as our region’s population grows, ensuring koalas and native wildlife also have new places to call home,” he said.
“This is a personal passion of mine because I believe that if we get this kind of planning right, Moreton Bay Region’s environmental successes can become a template for other Councils to follow.
“You only need to look at what we’ve already achieved in supporting the koala population at the Petrie Mill site to grow. At the commencement of the project in June 2017, we identified a total of 45 koalas, in September 2019 we saw the koala population grow to 77. That’s a whopping 25 per cent growth rate.
“To support this growth, we’ve also completed koala habitat revegetation in John Oxley Reserve east of The Petrie Mill site and installed infrastructure in and around our roads to keep all manner of native wildlife safe.
“I am proud to be part of a Council that is continuing to do such great things for koala conservation within the region.
“And we’re putting our money where our mouth is. In this year’s Budget, the environment was one of our biggest investments after roads and transport. With a massive $54.3 million dedicated to parks, native habitats and environment.
“But our success would not be possible without community partners and dedicated wildlife groups who swing into action when koalas come into contact with dogs or cars.
“So today we also need to thank and recognise Pine Rivers Koala Care, Moreton Bay Koala Rescue and Wildlife Rescue Queensland for their tireless work across our region.”
For more information regarding initiatives that Council is undertaking please see the koala conservation page.