Funding for a closer look at Noosa's koalas

Noosa’s amended draft budget, to go before Council for adoption on June 29, provides almost $17,000 for new initiatives to assess the health and whereabouts of Noosa’s koalas.

“There are funds in the draft budget to help produce comprehensive koala mapping for Noosa Shire. We are aiming for mapping that identifies where koalas are most active and where they face the greatest threats,” Cr Tony Wellington said. "Ultimately it's about trying to protect viable populations.

"Staff will be sourcing data from government departments, agencies, koala conservation groups and individuals. This funding will enable Council to develop a comprehensive Noosa-specific map that combines all of that information.

"The second step is a project to verify the map’s accuracy and fill in the gaps. To achieve this, we’ll be working in partnership with the University of the Sunshine Coast and its koala-tracking dog, Maya,” Cr Wellington said.

“Most of the existing data covers populated areas, particularly on the coast. But we know there are many other vegetated areas that are home to significant koala populations. Some of these are forested parts of the hinterland.”

Cr Wellington said Maya would help Council verify the map’s accuracy and examine new areas not included in existing data. Maya is specially trained to sniff out koala scats to identify koala activity.

“These initiatives will help Council to make more informed decisions on planning and development where local koala populations are concerned,” Cr Wellington said.

"Meanwhile staff are considering the public submissions we have received on Council's forthcoming Koala Policy."

24 June 2015