Redland City Council will respond to the Queensland Government’s South East Queensland Koala Conservation Strategy 2026–2036 Discussion Paper.
Deputy Mayor Julie Talty said while Council welcomed the new strategy, its submission to the discussion paper would request a clearer definition of the Queensland Government’s role for delivering on-ground koala conservation actions and funding.
“Investments made by Council in science-based conservation, innovative technology and community engagement and education have contributed to a stabilised koala population at this time on Redlands Coast,” Cr Talty said.
“The wealth of work and data Council has compiled through its Koala Conservation Program initiatives is available to the Queensland Government and would be invaluable for its proposed strategy.
“Council also believes the strategy must significantly improve how the State provides direct funding and resources to Councils and other stakeholders.
“There needs to be direct funding for both short-term and long-term koala research, reporting, monitoring and other data capturing.
“Local Government Areas (LGA) are best placed to understand community expectations, values, and local threats.
“Providing LGAs with greater funding autonomy and resources would enhance the reach and impact of conservation messaging and action.
“Council is also stressing that strong policies are essential for south-east Queensland’s koalas’ survival in a highly urbanised region.”
Council’s submission was endorsed at last week’s General Meeting and now will be lodged with the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI).
Council initially received an invitation from DETSI in early January to participate in consultation and engagement on the development of a new koala conservation strategy for south-east Queensland.
Input was requested on the strategy’s supporting discussion paper – A fresh start for South East Queensland Koalas: Developing a new SEQ Koala Conservation Strategy 2026–2036 – which outlined four key focus areas:
- Protecting and restoring habitat
- Reducing threats
- Working together
- Enhancing monitoring, reporting and mapping
As part of the strategy development process, DETSI conducted community consultation sessions across the south-east earlier this year, including one in Redland City on 17 February.
Following its submission, Council will have further opportunity to comment and offer additional technical input once the draft strategy is released by the Queensland Government.
Council believes the improvements to the final strategy adopted by the Queensland Government will potentially provide significant benefits for a wide range of other native species and ecological communities which also share koala habitat.
