Gold Coast development loopholes to be removed as part of koala conservation plan

CHANGES to current planning rules to be expected for developers as expert koala panel releases their plans. But Borobi reserve not at all in sight.

ALL planning and development projects that will affect koala habitats should go through the State Government and not the Gold Coast City Council, a new report has found.

However, the Acting Mayor says that is already the case.

The Koala Expert Panel report released yesterday wants to strengthen planning laws to protect the fast-dwindling koala population.

Numbers have dropped 80 per cent in southeast Queensland in the past 22 years.

The panel of academics and wildlife experts recommended a six step plan to reverse the decline.

The plan includes, a co-ordinated approach to conservation, habitat planning protections, habitat restoration, threat reduction, community engagement and further mapping.

HOW TO HELP THE SICK KOALAS

Queensland Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch with Ginger the joey koala. Photo: Kirstin Payne

“Part of any solution to koala conservation in southeast Queensland has to consider the planning framework,” panel Chair Associate Professor John Rhodes said.

“A lot of the loss of habitat comes from urban development which is regulated by the planning framework,” he said.

Dreamworld Life Sciences Manager Al Mucci, who also sat on the panel, described the proposals as “bold”.

“If all of the recommendations are adopted I can put my hand on my heart and say the koalas will be in a better position in a few years time,” Mr Mucci said.

“Now every area of the Queensland Government, community and industry will have to have koala front of mind.

“People and koalas need to learn to live together,” he said.

KOALA POPS IN TO COLES FOR SOME GROCERIES

Dreamworld Wildlife Sciences Manager Al Mucci with Queensland Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch at Dreamworld. Photo: Kirstin Payne

Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch said the government had accepted all six of the panel’s recommendations.

“This report sets the agenda of a comprehensive and cohesive approach to the management of our valuable koalas,” Ms Enoch said.

“We will begin now to look at the planning framing work, of course stakeholders will be engaged in all of that.”

“The Government will also establish a Koala Advisory Council, made up of representatives from state and local government, the community, NGOs and industry to ensure co-ordination,” she said.

The report was yet to be received by the Gold Coast City Council which in September voted for a State-supported “Borobi” reserve.

Acting Mayor Donna Gates said the State Government already had responsibility for developments in or around koala habitats.

“The State Government has always had referral powers where a State interest exists,” the Acting Mayor said.

“And clearly, there is a State interest in koalas, so without having seen the full report and its recommendations, I’d suggest it’s not a major change,” she said.