Koalas: Gold Coast to be home to new koala priority areas after Premier’s announcement

New koala priority areas will be located on the Gold Coast, but experts say in hindsight should have happened years ago.

NEW KOALA priority areas will be located on the Gold Coast, but experts say in hindsight should have happened years ago as koala habitat “is significantly under threat”.

At the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital yesterday, the Palaszczuk government announced a new landmark draft strategy and mapping of more than 570,000 hectares to protect and address threats affecting the habitat of over 50,000 koalas.

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Khaleesi the koala and her joey Eve at Currumbin Sanctuary yesterday. Picture: Mike Batterham

The koala priority areas will be located in Coomera, Springbrook, and Beaudesert.

“We need to look at what sort of Queensland we want for future generations,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

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“By having the koala priority areas will mean there will be koalas for generations.”

The draft South East Queensland Koala Conservation Strategy proposes to implement stronger regulations to protect large corridors of land and address habitat loss, disease management, vehicle strikes and dog attacks.

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Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk with her niece Emma Tremble age 3 and koala specialist Sarah Eccleston get up close with some of our cutest koalas. Picture: Mike Batterham

The koala population has decreased by more than 50 per cent in South East Queensland.

Koala Advisory Council chair Mark Townend said in hindsight the koala reserves should have happened years ago.

“Everything is great in hindsight … but the important point is we need to make a decision,” he said.

“The koala habitat in South East Queensland is significantly under threat, particularly with recent fires and development.”

Mr Townend said he hoped to see a population increase in his lifetime.

$50,000 will also be donated to the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital.