Four backyard swimming pools worth of water each day have been used to irrigate a project that will become a koala haven in the next 10 years

It hasn’t been the easiest start for this natural cove, but project supervisors are eager to see the guests arrive.

A four-hectare blue gum forest retreat watered using waste water, will become a koala sanctuary across the next two to 10 years.

Planted by Urban Utilities at the Helidon Wastewater treatment plan in 2019, the trees have survived drought and are now more than two metres tall despite a tough start to life.

Cameron Jackson from Urban Utilities has been nurturing the 1600 native gum trees since they were first planted and said the trees were “real battlers”.

“As seedlings they survived Australia’s hottest, driest year on record and they’ve also had to deal with ongoing drought. The trees are now more than two metres tall, which is really exciting.

“They’ve still got some growing to do but we expect the region’s much-loved marsupials will slowly move into the new habitat over the next two to ten years.”

Helidon koala habitat 2019. Photo: Supplied

Helidon koala habitat in 2021. Photo: Supplied

Mr Jackson said recycled water was key to the trees’ survival, with the forest irrigated with an average of around four backyard swimming pools worth of treated wastewater every day.

“We’re giving wastewater generated by the local community a second life by treating it at the nearby Helidon treatment plant before reusing it to water our thriving blue gums,” he said.

“So, when residents wash their hands, do the laundry or flush their loo – that water could be helping grow a new home among the gum trees for their local koalas.”

Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor Tanya Milligan said the council was proud to take part in the project by managing weeds and controlling pests around the koala habitat.

“We know koalas call Helidon home, so we want to protect the current population. We also want to do everything we can to see that population eventually grow,” she said.

“Koalas can eat up to a kilogram of gum leaves a day so expanding their habitat with forests like this one is essential.

“We’re proud to work alongside Urban Utilities to help secure a sustainable future for the region’s native wildlife for generations to come.”

The blue gum plantation is expected to also attract wallabies, bandicoots and birdlife while also encouraging growth of native grasses and shrubs.

Koalas are listed as ‘vulnerable’ in Queensland under the Federal Government Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 2012.