Policy/Practice

South East Queensland Koala Conservation Site Planning Regulatory Provisions (SPRP)

Information
This is a statewide planning instrument that assesses and regulates new development in areas of high priority for koala conservation action. These areas include the Koala Coast and Pine Rivers areas. This policy prohibits the clearing of bushland habitats in priority areas and in areas outside the urban footprint. If development is approved, some requirements are: Avoiding, minimizing or offsetting the clearing of non-juvenile koala habitat trees. Site design that promotes safe koala movements and connectivity. Any clearing of koala habitat trees is to be done extremely carefully and in the presence of a koala spotter.

Effectiveness
The SPRP policy is a highly effective strategy for the regulation of developments in priority areas of koala conservation action. As it is completed in the development assessment stage it means that any development that would have a detrimental impact on the koala habitats will be disallowed. It also has quite rigid requirements of any developments that are allowed to continue in these areas that ensure that the impact on koala habitats is minimal. One fallback of this policy is that it is only implemented in areas of high priority in south east Queensland. Outside of these areas, developments could be continuing that are degrading or destroying koala habitats. This strategy would be more effective if it were to be implemented in all areas with koala populations. This is a greatly beneficial strategy for the acquiring of suitable land to rebuild as much as possible of the koalas habitat. The governments purchase of land is well researched and only includes areas with good soil quality that will promote the growth of new habitats and contribute to the connectivity of the population. This strategy should be used in conjunction with the SPRP to further protect the land being acquired and ensure that it is being utilized to the highest possible standard.

Koala Habitat Program

The Queensland Government has invested over $20 million in the purchase of suitable land in south east Queensland to: Create new koala habitats by planting trees and limiting human interference. Increase the connectivity of the south east Queenslands mature koala habitat which provides a vaster breeding ground and minimizes the risk of localized extinction.

Policy/Practice
Koala Research Grant Program

Information
The Queensland Government is investing up to $2.3 million over four years to stimulate interest in and build a capacity for research in priority areas of koala research. This research addresses issued such as disease and genetics that allow for informed decision making about the health of koalas and the development of treatments where possible.

Effectiveness
As with all causes, research is of great importance to the continued development of strategies for the protection of Koalas. Current knowledge about koala health and care is constantly improving and informing the practices of rescue and relocation that have saved the lives of many koalas. However, there are limitations of research when it comes to the deforestation and destruction of koala habitats so this program must always be used in conjunction with strategies to help rebuild the koalas natural habitats. Efforts into rescue and rehabilitation of koalas are vitally important to the survival of the species in affected areas. They also contribute to the captive breeding and care of koalas for later release into new habitats. While some argue that rehabilitation causes trauma to koalas and makes them vulnerable to predators and disease in the wild, the results of this program have greatly improved the survival chances of sick or injured koalas. This is an effective program as long as it is implemented alongside the strategies for building new habitats and maintaining areas of the koalas natural environment.

Koala Rescue and Rehabilitation Grant Program

The Queensland Government is in the process of providing funding to build capacity for koala rescue and rehabilitation services. These monetary grants provide support for organizations that can effectively deliver koala rescue, transport and rehabilitation services to wild koalas throughout Queensland.

Policy/Practice
The Koala Ambulance

Information
Rangers from the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) run a mobile ambulance service that responds to reports of sick, injured, orphaned or dead koalas. Sick or injured koalas are taken to one of the following locations; Moggill Koala Hospital The Currumbin Wildlife Hospital or The Australian Zoo Wildlife Hospital; Where they receive treatment and care until they can be rehabilitated or are entered into breeding programs. Reports of healthy koalas are also recorded for the purpose of tracking populations in certain areas, however healthy koalas are not captured in order to avoid unnecessary stress.

Effectiveness
This practical and direct assistance approach is a great short term strategy for the care of sick or injured koalas. By bringing these animals into wildlife hospitals they are given the best possible chance of survival and rehabilitation. A sick or injured koala in the wild is likely to die from wounds or diseases that can be treated, to a certain extent, in specialist locations such as those listed. This strategy is particularly humane as it focuses on capturing koalas only when they require assistance for survival rather than catching them for the sake of research or display. While these animals may be used for the education of the public, wherever possible they are released back into their natural environment.