$10 million wildlife hospital proposed after koala death on Gympie Rd

The 10th koala death in two years on a busy Moreton road has wildlife advocates up in arms after delays in council’s delivery of wildlife fencing to protect the beloved animals.

Moreton koala carers have called on Council to fast track delayed fauna crossing projects after the death of a well-known koala two nights ago.

The male koala known as India was hit by a car at night on June 4 on Gympie Rd in Lawnton, the 10th koala death in two years on that stretch of road.

The loss of India came after delays in the delivery of a fauna rope bridge, koala fencing and underpass on Gympie Rd at Four Mile Creek, Lawnton.

Construction was due to start in April and take two months but “unavoidable’’ delays had affected the contractor’s timeline.

“We have been promised for months that there will be wildlife fencing put up in this area to try and protect India and his friends, who frequently cross Gympie Rd, but as usual these are all empty promises,” Moreton Bay Koala Rescue posted on its Facebook page.

Mayor Peter Flannery is pushing for a $10 million wildlife hospital in the Moreton Bay region. Picture: Contributed

“Someone must be held accountable. We have been told for months now that the State Government passed funds over to the Moreton Bay Council to get this wildlife fencing started, so we want to know who in the council is responsible for India’s death.

“What was the delay? We want answers.”

After the group’s members flooded Mayor Peter Flannery and divisional Councillor Mick Gillam with emails, Cr Gillam provided an update on the koala fencing project.

India the koala was hit by a car and killed on Gympie Rd on June 4. Picture: Moreton Bay Koala Rescue/ Facebook

“There were some unavoidable delays in procurement and tender awarding which have impacted the delivery schedule,” Cr Gillam said.

“This is regrettable, however the project is back on track and moving forward.

“The principal contractor (Clontarf’s GNB Energy) is completing a koala fencing project at Joyner, while the Gympie Rd TMR (state Department of Transport and Main Roads) funding agreement is being updated to include a project variation covering additional required fencing, koala escape poles and upgraded LED signage.

“Council officers have also recently inspected the trees for active koalas at the Gympie Rd site.

“At Council’s request, two large VMS (variable message sign) boards displaying koala warnings were moved in place on Tuesday May 23.

“Driver awareness messaging is being displayed during high risk fauna movement times, 2am to 10am.”

The memorial for India and nine other koalas which have been killed on the stretch of Gympie Road, Lawnton. Picture: Moreton Bay Koala Rescue/ Facebook

Four ‘Koala Zone’ LED signs will be set-up at locations on Eatons Crossing Rd between Eatons Hill and Yugar in February, weather and scheduling permitting.

That was part of the State Government’s $4.5 million investment to support Moreton Bay Regional Council’s Green Infrastructure Network Delivery Program.

But Moreton Bay Regional Council called on the government to help build a wildlife hospital in the region.

It estimated the facility could cost about $10 million to construct, with an ongoing annual operational expense of up to $5 million.

Cr Flannery said there was no dedicated wildlife hospital between the RSPCA facility at Wacol and Australia Zoo at Beerwah, meaning wildlife must be transported up to two hours for emergency care.

“A facility here in Moreton Bay would reduce travel times for injured wildlife and would also take pressure off carers who are already stretched by rising fuel and food costs,” Cr Flannery said.

“Currently the top cause for animals to be admitted to the SEQ wildlife network is being hit by a car and koalas make up 11.4 percent of admissions.

“We are already in talks with key stakeholders including the federal and state governments, RSPCA, Australia Zoo, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, the region’s wildlife rescue groups, the Moreton Bay Wildlife Hospital Foundation and private entrepreneurs seeking to support wildlife and koala rehabilitation on their property.

Nine month old rescue Koalas Balou (at front) with from left Tatiana, Zidane and Bobo who were being rehabilitated and cared for by Annika Lehmann of Moreton Bay Koala Rescue. Photo: Lachie Millard

Last year a group of dedicated volunteers established the Moreton Bay Wildlife Hospital Foundation as a community-driven initiative to raise the required funds.

The foundation has applied for Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status and was awaiting Federal Government endorsement.

Moreton Bay Wildlife Hospital Foundation Director Christine West said the wildlife hospital was an important step towards providing essential care and rehabilitation for injured wildlife in the region.

“However this is just the beginning, ”she said.

“The loss of another wild koala in the Moreton Bay Region is significant and much work still needs to be done to protect and conserve our wildlife.

“We remain committed to expanding our efforts and working together with all levels of government to ensure a brighter future for our wildlife.”