Redland City Council has undertaken an extensive weed removal and tree planting program to help restore two significant koala habitat areas in Sheldon.
The habitat rehabilitation works occurred in Ford Road Conservation Area and Wallaby Creek Bushland Refuge, both of which are classified by the Queensland Government as Areas of Regional Koala Significance in south-east Queensland.
Acting Mayor Julie Talty said the project would help to restore habitat connectivity and availability of food and shelter for koalas in the area.
“The works were delivered in collaboration with Healthy Land & Water through the Queensland Government-funded SEQ Restore & Reconnect: Koala Habitat program,” Cr Talty said.
“This partnership is a positive step forward in efforts to restore important koala habitat on Redlands Coast, but ongoing funding and maintenance will be required to completely restore these areas over time.”
The first stage of the project focused on the removal of extensive weed growth, particularly lantana growing up to three metres high.
Lantana and other invasive species make it difficult for native species to establish new saplings, reducing the long-term sustainability of the ecosystem.
In the second stage, 500 young eucalyptus trees were planted at Wallaby Creek Bushland Refuge.
These plantings will help rebuild the natural structure of the forest canopy and, in time, increase the availability of food and shelter for koalas as well as strengthen habitat connectivity across the landscape.
Cr Talty said koalas relied on connected, healthy habitat to survive.
“As urban areas grow, these undisturbed natural spaces become increasingly important for wildlife to rest, feed and move safely,” she said.
Division 9 Councillor Jason Colley said rehabilitation works would continue in both bushland areas to maintain koala habitat connectivity.
“Council will continue restoration efforts through ongoing weed control, habitat monitoring and proactive fire management,” Cr Colley said.
“Members of the community can support this work by respecting restricted areas, staying on designated tracks, keeping dogs on a leash, and allowing regenerating areas to recover naturally.”
The rehabilitation works were funded through the SEQ Restore & Reconnect: Koala Habitat program, delivered in collaboration with Healthy Land & Water with funding from the Queensland Government Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI).
