Staff connect water main to irrigate site with plans to plant trees early next year
Irrigation is set to flow with the first trees to be planted in early 2025 as Capricornia Correctional Centre and council finalise a 20-year agreement.
Rockhampton
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A 4000-tree prison plantation plan that would allow inmates to help feed Rockhampton Zoo’s ravenous koalas will also provide food for other zoo animals.
The proposal being thrashed out between the zoo and the Capricornia Correctional Centre was originally focused on providing enough food for up to four koalas but other animals, such as primates and birds, will also benefit.
A report to Rockhampton Regional Council last week said about 200 different “browse species” would also be planted for other animals such as chimps and gibbons.
The report said the first trees in the proposed plantation at the prison would now be planted in early 2025 with the aim to provide harvestable trees by 2028/2029.
The zoo and the CCC had been negotiating a Memorandum of Understanding for the development and operation of the plantation but following a change of leadership with Corrections, a Deed of Agreement for a 20-year period is now the preferred option for both parties.
“This is highly advantageous to Council as a Deed of Agreement that is more legally binding and contains stronger commitments from all parties,” the council report said.
“CCC have (already) installed a mains water point at the site, and works have commenced plotting out the area.”
The plantation is seen as a necessary move to guaranteeing long-term food supply during drought conditions as harvesting enough wild eucalyptus is getting more challenging for zoo staff.
The report listed the benefits of the scheme:
A sustainable food source for koalas, primates and birds with access to land that is cleared, flood-free and access to town water.
Cost-effective establishment, maintenance and harvesting of the browse food.
Sufficient browse food to feed up to four koalas, allowing zoo to fill the empty enclosure and potentially breed more koalas.
Benefits to Capricornia Correctional Centre:
More productive use of allocated land.
Meaningful and rewarding work for prisoners with potential for vocational skills qualifications.
Restorative justice by giving back to the community.
Supporting a community asset that is iconic to the region.
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