During 2009 and 2010, the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife, AGA Germany and the Redlands City Council partnered to contribute funds to restore Koala habitats in the Redlands area.
Koala Conservation Grants of $500 to $2,000 were given to owners of properties in the Redland City Council area that have Koala Conservation Agreements on their properties through the council's Koala Conservation Agreement Program (KCAP).
Funding allows landholders to maintain, improve, and repair Koala habitats or enhance Koala conservation outcomes, such as pest animal control, change to habitat restoration, and revegetation. Grants provide a direct improvement in the quality of Koala habitat.
In 2009 up to 5,000 local native species were planted. This was the first stage in connecting an important corridor between two reserves, which allows wildlife to move safely between these areas.
The Koala Conservation Agreement Program (KCAP) is a partnership between landholders and Redland City Council to protect and reinstate Koala habitat, manage dogs and improve Koala movement on private land. The program is voluntary and free to join. Participant’s sign up to a 5 year agreement and in return council pay the owner an annual grant towards on-ground Koala conservation outcomes.
This project increases on-ground support for landholders by funding the preparation of sites and planting Koala food trees on KCA P properties. Through positive partnerships between landholders and council, the program enhances Koala habitat in urban areas which are under threat. This in turn benefits the urban Koala population and maintains Redlands cultural link with the Koala.
In 2010 Pamela Monaghan of Birkdale and Susan Panuccio of Mt Cotton recieved a Koala Conservation grant. Pamela used her grant to remove weed trees. "Weed trees are not considered good for the environment. We will replace them with native Koala food trees. Everyone needs to do their bit and I am hapy to do my part." said Pamela.
Susan has been living at her Mt Cotton property for over 12 years. She said, "We are now looking towards getting a conservation covenant on our property. We are thrilled to receive this support to help us conserve our Koalas."
There were once millions of Koalas in the region and today there are as little as 2,000 koals between Brisbane and the Gold Coast. In this crisis, conservation and restoration of Koala habitat is their best chance of survival.
Ms Leonie Gale, CEO of the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife said, "Protecting Koala habitat in south-east Queensland is a challenge and we all have a role to play. Whether it's your backyard or not, every Australian can act to conserve nature for future generations. We believe these people deserve to be rewarded and recognised as national heroes for their efforts to help Koalas."
