North Queenslanders dig deep to protect Magnetic Island’s koalas

North Queenslanders dug deep to secure a vital piece of land, just in the nick of time for Maggie Island’s koala population.

• Urgent appeal for help from North Queenslanders to secure a vital koala habitat
• A big croc has been filmed sliding into the water at Alligator Creek

THE future of Magnetic Island’s koala population is all but assured after North Queenslanders dug deep to raise $400,000 to secure a vital block of koala habitat on Magnetic Island.

Named after its former owner, Claude’s Block is 5.33ha parcel of land in Bolger Bay, situated on the western side of Magnetic Island where the koala population was at its densest.

Regarded as the “missing centrepiece” for a ring of nature-protected properties, the land was highly prized by Magnetic Island Nature Care (MINCA) who launched a desperate appeal for donations to purchase Claude’s block before it was put on the market on June 23.

The view overlooking Claude’s Block, a 5.33ha parcel of land on the western side of Magnetic Island. Picture: Supplied.

On Monday morning, elated MINCA president Gethin Morgan wrote to the group’s members and friends to sincerely thank them for helping surpass the fundraising target.

“We now have $406,000 in donations and pledges and are set to enter into a contract with the owners to purchase Claude’s Block,” Mr Morgan said.

“We will be now calling in pledges in order that the contract can be completed.

“This is a truly outstanding achievement we can all be proud of – particularly given the short time frame we had to raise funds.”

Claude’s Block is a 5.33ha parcel of land surrounded by nature-protected properties on Magnetic Island. Picture: Supplied.

Following the breakthrough, Mr Morgan said MINCA had an exciting and greatly enhanced capacity to extend their work in regenerating precious lowland environments to create an excellent habitat where koalas and many other important species could thrive across a large consolidated series of protected areas.

“Claude’s Block will be central to this area and will be a wonderful setting for community activities,” he said.

MINCA committee member George Hirst was delighted enough money was raised to secure land on Magnetic Island to preserve the Koala population. Picture: Supplied.

“Any money left after the purchase has been finalised will be put to excellent use for the restoration of the land, and any essential repairs to the buildings and solar and water systems.

“Thank you so much for your generosity and commitment to our World Heritage environment.”

While last week’s recent media attention was credited for bringing in mostly smaller amounts and strong community engagement, it was understood that the most significant donations had come from long term residents and off-island friends, many of whom had supported MINCA’s efforts for many years.

The lowland of western Magnetic Island near Claude's Block has the highest koala density. Picture: Supplied.

Originally published as North Queenslanders dig deep to protect Magnetic Island’s koalas