Watch out for wildlife this spring

Council is reminding residents to watch out for wildlife as Save the Koala Month begins.

“Koalas, as with birds and other native animals, are very active in spring and we can all help tackle some of the threats to their welfare,” says Cr Tony Wellington.

“Koalas cross roads at night so it’s important to drive accordingly. I had to stop for a koala on the Cooroy-Noosa Road at Tinbeerwah just a couple of weeks ago. Thankfully a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction also stopped to allow the animal to safely cross.”

Cr Wellington said residents could help reduce dog attacks on koalas by keeping pets indoors or on a lead, particularly at night.

“And if you live in or near a known koala habitat area, consider planting koala food trees,” he said.

“Koala conservation groups recognise September as a time to raise the community’s awareness of the koalas’ vulnerability. If we want wild koalas in Noosa for years to come, then we all need to work together now."

Cr Wellington thanked residents and koala interest groups for their input into Council’s new Koala Conservation Policy.

The next step is to develop a Koala Conservation Management Plan for the shire. This involves mapping the areas where koalas are most at threat and investigating solutions.

Council is working with SEQ Catchments to identify koala fatality hotspots across the shire and with researchers from the University of the Sunshine Coast to identify where koalas currently reside.

"Residents interested in ways to reduce our impact on native animals may wish to attend the RSPCA’s Living with Wildlife presentation," Cr Wellington said.

The presentation will be held at the Noosa Parks Environment Centre, Wallace Park, on 25 September, from 11am-12 noon. For further information contact Council on 07 5329 6500. 

4 September 2015