Koalas in the Noosa region Your guide to helping and protecting Noosa's koalas
Special thanks to contributing photographers: • Bernard Jean • Ruth Huckstepp • Tammy Altmayer • Wildcare Australia • Katrina Koutsellis • Noosa Landcare • Queensland University of Technology • University of Sunshine Coast
Koalas: Our Aussie icon Some koala facts A journey through time in the Noosa Shire Decades of change Koala breeding season How can we help koalas? Koalas on farms Signs a koala needs to be rescued Distribution of koalas in Noosa How do we know they are here? Identifying koalas in your area How to report a koala sighting What happens when a sick koala is detected by Wildwatch Noosa verifiers? How to manage koala habitat on your property Noosa Koala Connect – habitat restoration program Importance of koala corridor connectivity Trees for koalas in the Noosa region Contact us 04 05 07 09 12 13 17 18 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 43 Table of contents
04 Koalas are an internationally recognised Australian marsupial who have captivated the world with their cuteness. Once occupying vast parts of Eastern Australia, sadly koalas today are listed as endangered to extinction in Queensland, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory. They need our help to survive. Habitat and diet: Koalas are folivores, feeding on a diet that is nearly entirely made up of leaves from the Eucalyptus genus, although they will occasionally eat non-Eucalypt species such as Brush Box (Lophostemon confertus), Allocasuarina sp. and Melaleuca sp. They depend on a variety of different species to maintain their health including a number of non-eucalypt species for shelter. Soil type and seasons have a major impact on whether leaf in a certain area is palatable. So whilst they may favour a species of eucalypt from one area, they may not eat it if it comes from a different area. There are also some species of eucalypt that koalas favour only in a specific season. In the Noosa region, we are fortunate to have a wide variety of eucalypt dominated ecosystems that support koala populations. This includes Blue Gums (Eucalyptus tereticornis) on the coastal and lower Noosa River fringes, right up to the Spotted Gums (Eucalyptus citriodora) on our highest elevated lands in the west of the shire. Koalas: Our Aussie icon
Average weight: On average in the Noosa region, these cute fluffballs weigh around 6.5kg. With males reaching up to 9 kgs. Lifespan: In the wild, koalas can live for an impressive 12-13 years. They are aged by the wear pattern on their teeth. Reproduction & development: The koala breeding season in Southeast Queensland extends from around June through to December with most young born over the summer months. Usually a single joey (twins are rare) is born after a 34 to 36-day gestation. The jelly-bean sized joey makes its way through its mother’s fur from the birth canal to the pouch, where it immediately attaches itself to one of the mother’s two teats. The joey will remain in the pouch, drinking its mother’s milk from that same teat, until it is approximately 5.5 to 6 months of age. The joey will fully emerge from the pouch at around 6 to 6.5 months of age to cling to its mother’s stomach during rest. Once the joey reaches 8 to 8.5 months of age it will be too big to fit in the pouch and will become what is termed a ‘back young’ until it is around 12 months of age. Complete independence from the mother occurs between 12 to 18 months of age. Between 18 months to 2 years of age, juveniles generally move away from their maternal home range to establish their own territory. Females will often choose to set up a home range that will overlap their mother’s or will settle not too far away. Communication: Koalas have distinctive calls that are more noticeable during breeding season. Males have a low-pitched bellow but when threatened can also make loud screams and squeaks. Females produce various loud sounds, such as screams, squeaks, and short bellows. Territories: Koalas are territorial and have complex overlapping ranges of alpha males and females and sub-dominant animals. The size of a koala’s home range is highly variable and depends upon factors such as the koala’s age and sex, forest type, soil quality, reproductive status, area available, and the presence of other koalas. Scent marking is how koalas mark the trees in their territory. Males have a large scent gland on their chest that they rub on trees to mark their territory. During breeding season, dispersal aged koalas are pushed from their maternal home range into new locations, often travelling many kilometres to find a new location. They are highly vulnerable during this dispersal as they can encounter many dangers such as roads, predators and urban areas. Koalas tend to be faithful to their home range and will attempt to return if moved elsewhere (relocated). The relocation of mature individuals that are healthy and who are coping well within their home range is discouraged and there are laws in place to prevent this practice. Some koala facts 05
Sleep: Koalas are well known for their ability to sleep up to 20hrs per day due to their low energy diet of leaf. Hearing: Koalas have excellent hearing, which facilitates communication with other koalas over long distances. Camouflage technique: Their speckled rear aids in camouflage amongst the trees. Despite their size, they can be very difficult to see from the ground or by spotlighting. Even skilled koala spotters can only usually see a koala known to be in a tree around 40% of the time. Sense of smell: Their heightened sense of smell helps detect leaf for eating. Koalas can determine the palatability and toxin levels of a leaf by its smell. Protective coat: They have a thick, woolly coat that is equipped to protect them from rain and extreme temperatures. The dorsal (back) fur of the koala is the most insulated of any marsupial found to date, and in the past, was heavily sought after for the fur industry. In cold weather, koalas will curl into a ball with the dorsal fur providing effective insulation from the cold and rain. Cool fun facts Koalas have a mid-opening, slightly backwards facing pouch, a distinctive feature they share with their closest relatives, the wombat. Each koala has a distinctive nose pattern, making it possible to identify them individually from a distance. Koalas have unique fingerprints just like humans. Male koalas sport larger, more pronounced 'Roman' noses, while females have smaller, daintier noses. Koala ear tags are a clue to their rescue history! If a koala has been rescued in the past, you might spot a tag in one of their ears. Females are tagged in their right ear, while males are tagged on their left. 06
07 Undated photograph of land clearance by clear felling and ringbarking near Pomona. Land clearance was generally carried out soon after settlement. Likely dates would be in the range of 1870-1890. (Source: Waterson and French 1987) A glimpse into the past: Between the 1890s and 1950s, the Noosa hinterland witnessed significant forest clearing for timber and agriculture. Extensive clearing for exotic and native tree plantations occurred from the 1950s to the 1980s. The 1980s and 1990s brought substantial habitat loss due to residential development, particularly on the coast. The land underwent transformations that would impact its ecosystems and native inhabitants for many decades to come. A journey through time in the Noosa Shire
Koalas and the pelt industry Pelt industry peak (1903- 1927): 4.5 million koala pelts were “officially” traded in Queensland (including within the Noosa area), with koalas hunted using cyanide, snares, and shooting. Before this period, pelts were traded with no regulation or record keeping. US import ban (1927): Herbert Hoover, the USA’s secretary for commerce, prohibited koala skin imports into the USA. Legislation protection: The Queensland Fauna Protect Act 1937 protected koalas from hunting due to community opposition and very low population estimates across their range. Relocation efforts: Populations were considered so low that in the 1960s, six koalas were relocated into Noosa National Park from the Caboolture region to boost the population. Relocation programs occurred at the same time across many parts of the nation. 08 Fur trade - Mitchell State Library NSW Koala reintroductions Noosa National Park 1960's Koala pelt trade - John Oxley Library Brisbane
Key achievements over the last decade Strategic koala habitat planning: Comprehensive planning at local and state levels to protect and enhance koala habitats. This includes the establishment of Noosa’s Koala Conservation Plan in 2016 and an update in 2025. Environmental land acquisitions: Significant land parcels purchased through Noosa Council’s Environment Levy and National Park expansion initiatives to secure vital habitat. Private land conservation: Hundreds of private landholders conserving vegetation on their properties. Collaborative restoration projects: Several private landholders, in partnership with conservation agencies, undertaking extensive koala habitat restoration projects on their properties. Yurol and Ringtail State Forest Koala Habitat Project: A monumental initiative involving the extinguishment of forestry activities, restoration and conversion to National Park of 2400ha of critical wildlife corridor area. The project was initiated by Noosa Parks Association with the strong foundational support of Noosa Council, Queensland Government, and HQ Plantations. Veterinary breakthroughs: Advancement of the koala chlamydia vaccine and significant advancements in disease and injury treatment options. Enhanced surveying techniques: Advancements in surveying techniques allowing greater understanding of koala habitat distribution and density. Decades of change Noosa Council Koala Conservation Plan Scan the QR code to explore the current Noosa Council Koala Conservation Plan. 09
Good news: Our koala population is now recovering in the Noosa region with densities estimated to be approximately 0.2 koalas per hectare in good habitat. Restoration of forests and native regeneration: Large scale efforts are reconnecting corridors and providing vital food and habitat resources for our koalas. Current concern: Genetic diversity does however remain compromised due to previous low population numbers caused by historical hunting and habitat fragmentation. Reinstating koala corridors to allow for genetic dispersal and improving the condition of recovering bushland is critical to support our recovering koala population. A beacon of hope
Legend Study area (NSC 2km buffer) Noosa LGA Plantation Boreen Point Wilsons Pocket Traveston Federal Noosa Heads Coolum Beach Tewantin Ridgewood Belli Park Eumundi Cooroy Doonan Cooroibah Noosa National Park Woondum National Park Ringtail State Forest Yurol State Forest Lake Cootharaba Peregian Springs Kin Kin Pomona Noosa koala corridors - Vegetation containing koala habitat values The good news echoes through the trees - our forests are making a comeback due to the positive strides we are taking towards restoring our precious landscapes and the resilience of nature. The map below shows our current Koala Habitat areas, which includes both remnant and regrowth areas. Sources: SEQ Koala habitat values v4 (DETSI), Major koala habitat plantings (NDLCG), Plantations extracted from Regulated Veg mgst map (v7.09 2025, DNMMRRD) Earthstar Geographics, Sources: Esri, TomTom, Garmin, FAO, NOAA, USGS, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community. Scale 1:150,000 Projection: GDA2020 MGA Zone 56 Vegetation containing koala habitat values - Rating 4 - SEQ core koala habitat, Irkha or large koala habitat planting 3 - SEQ non-core koala habitat 2 - Other woody vegetation > 2m containing high pre-clear khv 1 - Other woody vegetation > 2m containing medium pre-clear khv 11 0 1 2 3 4 5km N
A time for love and movement Occurs typically between June and December, marking the breeding season for koalas. Koalas are on the move looking for mates, engaging in mating activities and displaying territorial behaviour. Juveniles reaching sexual maturity venture out during this period, seeking their own territories. Risks during the season Increased movement raises the risk of koalas being hit by cars or finding themselves in dangerous locations. Vulnerability to dog attacks is heightened during their search for mates and new territory. Chlamydia transmission increases during mating encounters. Koala breeding season 12
1. Habitat retention and enhancement Threat: Loss of habitat, lack of connectivity and a decline in habitat condition. Solution: Protecting existing koala habitat from clearing, improving the condition of existing koala habitat through weed and fire management and strategic planting of koala trees to recreate their habitat and establish connection corridors between forests to allow for safe movement. By addressing these threats and implementing proactive solutions, we can contribute to the well-being and conservation of our local koalas. How can we help koalas? 13
2. Dogs and domestic livestock management Threat: Interactions with dogs and domestic livestock. Solutions: Ensure dogs are kept indoors at night in particular in known koala habitat, and implementing dog owner and dog behaviour training and education programs to minimise conflicts between koalas and domestic dogs. Domestic livestock, both horses and cattle, have been known to attack and stomp on koalas in paddocks. This occurrence is more common when horses have foals, or cattle have young calves to protect. If you observe your livestock interacting aggressively towards koalas, please report this incident immediately to the Wildlife Rescue contacts listed in the contacts section at the rear of this booklet. 14
3. Vehicle strike Threat: Collisions with vehicles. Solutions: Drive with caution and be “koala aware”, especially during the breeding season, to help prevent accidents. While koalas can attempt to cross roads at any time night or day, it is more common at dusk and during the evening. Pay particular attention and reduce speed where signs advise of koalas or other animals crossing, as these are known vehicle strike locations. Koalas in Noosa face significant threats from vehicle strikes, particularly during the breeding season from June to December. During this period, koalas are more mobile as they search for mates, and young koalas disperse from their mothers. This increased movement heightens the risk of accidents on roads that intersect key wildlife corridors. In response to this issue, the 'Koalas on the Move' campaign was launched in 2022. This collaborative initiative involves Noosa Council, the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation, the Department of Transport and Main Roads, Wildcare Australia, and Queensland Koala Crusaders. The campaign includes the deployment of electronic variable message signs (VMS) on high-risk roads to alert drivers to koala activity, especially during dawn and dusk when koalas are most active. Additionally, community education programs aim to raise awareness about koala movements and the importance of reducing vehicle speeds in identified hotspots. We're on the move, please drive with care KOALAS ON THE MOVE 15
4. Disease Threat: Chlamydia visual symptoms include a wet and/or stained rump and/or crusty, red or weepy eyes. Chlamydia is spread during mating and also from mum to joey during rearing. Solution: Chlamydia is fatal if left untreated in koalas in our region. Early assessment and treatment of chlamydia has a much higher chance of successful rehabilitation and release than more advanced disease cases. Report all diseased koala sightings immediately to the Wildlife Rescue contacts listed at the rear of this booklet. Koala health assessment is usually undertaken using zoom photography, so if you have the ability to take close up shots of the eyes/face and backsides of any koalas sighted, please send it to a wildlife koala health assessor (Refer to the rear of this booklet for contacts). 16 Wet or stained rumps Crusty, red or weepy eyes Wet or stained rumps Crusty, red or weepy eyes
Balancing Agriculture and Koala Habitat Much of our good quality agricultural land is found on floodplains with higher fertility and higher soil moisture. Before historical clearing occurred in our region, these same floodplains were some of the highest quality eucalypt forests and best koala habitat in the landscape. Koalas will travel large distances to feed on the leaf of nitrogen rich paddock Eucalypts on farmlands. In doing so, encountering livestock, domestic dogs, fences and water impoundments. Trees on farms provide a multitude of benefits including shade for livestock, soil stabilization and water quality improvements. Opportunities exist to enhance both agricultural sustainability and koala habitat values by retaining paddock trees and also revegetating gullies, waterway zones (riparian areas) and steep slopes. Incorporating koala food trees into revegetation species lists and replacement paddock tree programs can support the creation of local koala corridors. Various assistance programs exist for agricultural producers to enhance the sustainability and habitat values of their farms. Koalas on farms 17
Signs a koala needs to be rescued Monitoring these signs and reporting them promptly ensures quick intervention, potentially leading to the koala’s full recovery. 18
19 1. Sitting on the ground Koala is found sitting on the ground for an extended period. 2. Sitting in the same tree Koala is found in the same tree for more than 48 hours. Signs of a healthy koala: Sitting on the ground is brief and they should move away when approached, as koalas are most vulnerable in this position. They typically only stay on the ground momentarily when moving between trees. Signs of a healthy koala: Bright, alert and responsive to disturbance with erect ears. Wellnourished and slightly pot-bellied. Clean mouth and nose with pink colouration. Moving from one tree to another every one to two days. Signs of an unhealthy koala: Sleeping on ground or sitting at the base of a tree for an extended period and not moving away when approached. Signs of an unhealthy koala: Sitting in the same tree for more than two days, unresponsive, and not making an attempt to move away when disturbed. Skinny or with rough and possibly brownish fur appearance, Mouth and nose may have discharge, drooling, or abrasions.
20 3. Movement difficulty Koala is showing difficulty climbing or moving. Signs of a healthy movement: Ground movement: Koalas on the ground should move confidently between trees, walking or running with purpose. They have a slightly “rolling” gait - their front legs stride out long and fast, while their back legs seem to lift higher than necessary. Being most vulnerable on the ground, koalas stay alert and deliberate in their actions. Tree climbing: Healthy koalas climb trees with ease and confidence, displaying strength and agility as they navigate branches. Signs of an unhealthy movement: Ground movement: Koalas may appear limping, circling or falling to one side, and may be unresponsive to disturbances. Tree climbing: Difficulty climbing trees or a lack of confidence in their movements could signal weakness, injury or health issues.
21 4. Wet and/or dirty bottom Indicates cystitis, a painful bladder infection caused by a chlamydia infection. Untreated, it can lead to kidney damage and death. Early treatment can facilitate full recovery. 5. Crusty and infected eyes Indicates conjunctivitis from chlamydia, causing swollen, inflamed, weepy or crusty eyes. If untreated, it can result in blindness and condition decline. Early treatment can facilitate full recovery. Signs of a healthy koala: A clean white spotty rump and a thick grey coat. Signs of a healthy koala: Bright, clear eyes that are free from swelling or discharge. No fur loss around the eyes. Signs of an unhealthy koala: Wet and or Brown or rusty staining on the rump. Signs of an unhealthy koala: Weepy, swollen, red and/or crusty yellow eye surrounds, indicating potential infection or illness.
Distribution of koalas in Noosa 22
Legend Study area (NSC 2km buffer) LGA Boundary Hard barriers - Lakes, major rivers, highway Boreen Point Wilsons Pocket Traveston Federal Noosa Heads Coolum Beach Tewantin Ridgewood Belli Park Eumundi Cooroy Doonan Cooroibah Noosa National Park Woondum National Park Ringtail State Forest Yurol State Forest Lake Cootharaba Peregian Springs Kin Kin Pomona Koala distribution in Noosa The Noosa region has koala populations across most of the areas where eucalypt forest exist. Up-to-date mapping can be viewed on the public Wildwatch Noosa dashboard. Link to Wildwatch dash board for live map and QR code (refer to page 29 to contribute a record). Earthstar Geographics, Sources: Esri, TomTom, Garmin, FAO, NOAA, USGS, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community. Koala records (NSC), Major koala habitat plantings (2025, NDLCG) Scale 1:150,000 Projection: GDA2020 MGA Zone 56 Density of Sightings 2 - High 1 - Medium 23 0 1 2 3 4 5km N
How do we know they're here? Citizen science sightings Koala sightings reported by the community through various channels, including social media, Council, RSPCA, iNaturalist, and Wildwatch Noosa. Koala rescue group records Specialised groups actively engaging in rescuing and responding to reported koala sightings. 24
Drone surveys Using specialised thermal drone technology to conduct surveys, offers a comprehensive and efficient means of detecting koala presence in specific areas. Detection dogs Employing specially trained koala detection dogs to detect koala presence through identification of their scat. Various methods contribute to actively monitoring the presence of koalas in the region. 25
Identifying koalas in your area 26
Look: Look up into the eucalyptus trees, down for scat, and forward for claw marks on the trunks. Listen: Listen for their distinctive bellows, grunts, and calls. The Wildwatch Noosa Dashboard has links to audio recordings for reference. Smell: Detect their strong eucalyptus scent. Use your senses 27
Help us protect Noosa’s koalas by recording any sightings through the Wildwatch Noosa dashboard – your contribution makes a difference! See your report in real time You can access dashboards to view existing koala sightings and other iconic species in the Noosa area. Features include viewing all koala observations, including profiles, diseases, threats, and area descriptions using interactive maps. How to report a koala sighting 28
How to download the Wildwatch Noosa app You can submit koala observations via a desktop or smart device. Access is available through the Wildwatch Noosa dashboard (URL link) or QR code on this page. Using a smart device is an easier option as it captures GPS locations automatically. The app also works offline, allowing you to save observations and complete them later. Filling out the survey form using the field app The Wildwatch Noosa survey is quick, user-friendly, and designed to streamline your observations: Scan the QR code Scan to access the field App. It is recommended you use the field App if using a smart device. How to get started Download the app: Install the ArcGIS Survey123 app using the QR code (allow all permissions). This is a one-time setup. Load the survey: Scan the QR code again to download the “Wildwatch Noosa” survey. The survey will stay on your device for future use. Open the survey: Select “Continue without signing in.” Submit your observation: Fill out the form, then: If online, click the tick and choose “Send now.” If offline, save it in your “Outbox” to send later when back in range. 1. 2. 3. 4. Smart features: Questions adapt based on your answers, hiding irrelevant sections. For example: Feral species submissions skip health or site details. For sick or injured koalas, symptom-related questions appear along with a rescue group contact number (call immediately if needed). Mandatory fields: Only questions marked with a red * are required, but adding more details is encouraged to enhance data quality. 29
For all other situations: 1. Report submission When a koala is reported, the information is received by Wildwatch Noosa. 2. Submission is verified Entry is verified by an expert reviewer. If photos were submitted with the entry, a desktop health assessment is undertaken. The record submitter may be contacted, and a rescue intervention of the koala may be instigated if the koala shows signs of illness. 3. Wildlife rescuer intervention A wildlife rescuer may be contacted to conduct a visual health check on the reported koala using binoculars and zoom camera. 4. Medical treatment if unwell If the koala is found to be unwell, it is transported to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for veterinary treatment. 5. Recovery and rehabilitation The koala undergoes necessary veterinary care at the hospital. 6. Release back to area Once the koala has fully recovered and is deemed healthy, it is released back to its natural habitat in the same area where safe. NOTE - If the matter is urgent, the symptoms are obvious and the koala needs assistance, please contact a koala rescue group immediately. (Contact details are at the rear of this booklet). This ensures that injured or sick koalas receive timely and appropriate care, to ensure their well-being. What happens when a sick koala is detected by Wildwatch Noosa verifiers? 30
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1. Manage invasive weeds Weeds can reduce the health of koala habitat, retard natural eucalypt recruitment and restrict koala movement through bushland. Common weeds in the Noosa Region that cause significant impact to Koala habitat include but are not limited to: Cat's claw creeper vine (Dolichandra unguis-cati) & Madeira vine (Anredera cordifolia) – are serious transformer vine weeds that have a habit of smothering even mature Eucalypt trees if left unchecked. Noosa Landcare’s Cats Claw Creeper Crusade Program can provide assistance - https://noosalandcare.org/ programs/cats-claw-creeper-crusade/ Lantana (Lantana camara) – is an understory shrub that grows in thickets and can restrict movement for koalas and increase fire intensity in bushland. Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus var. maximus) – a tall and thick grass that provides an impenetrable wall for movement in large infestations and can increase fire intensity in bushland. South African pigeon grass (Setaria sphacelata) – a common exotic pasture grass with a thick and tall growth habit that can restrict koala movement across landscapes and retard eucalypt recruitment. A useful resource to learn more about weeds can be found at the following web tool - Weed Identification – Brisbane City Council. Alternately, get in contact with Noosa Landcare for further assistance. 2. Manage fire risk While koalas have survived living in fire-adapted eucalypt habitats for many thousands of years, new fire practices and changing climate over the last century has changed fire intensity and bushland structure, making it more difficult for the species to survive these intense fires. For further information and useful resources, visit the South East Queensland Fire & Biodiversity Consortium https:// www.fireandbiodiversity.org.au/ 3. Revegetation Revegetation to create corridors and habitat stepping-stones. Undertaking restoration works to improve the structure and diversity of plant species in an area can greatly improve the attractiveness of a site as habitat and also the ability of a site to be a corridor for many species, not just koalas. How to manage koala habitat on your property 32
Undertaking revegetation projects Seek advice Obtaining local knowledge to help plan your project is a great idea. Advice is available by contacting the Noosa Koala Connect Project Officer at Noosa Landcare. If you are registered with Land for Wildlife or are part of the Voluntary Conservation Agreements Program with Noosa Council you can contact Noosa Council’s conservation partnerships team for advice also(Contact details at rear of booklet). Resources Self funded or funding assistance options exist. Depending on your circumstance and the size of your project, funding assistance may be available through either Noosa Landcare (via grant funding) or Noosa Council’s Conservation Partnerships Program (via free trees or assistance with bushland maintenance). Planning Your available time, budget, the scale of your project, the location you wish it to occur and the existing vegetation at the site are all considerations that will help determine the restoration methodology that you use. In our area of South East Queensland, typically two main techniques are used to revegetate an area, these include: Assisted natural regeneration Direct planting of seedlings. For those interested in learning in detail about restoration planning and techniques, The South-East Queensland Ecological Restoration Framework Manual provides an excellent overview of best practice approaches. Revegetation projects require site preparation, appropriate species selection for the soil type, watering and maintenance. Get in touch with Noosa Landcare’s Noosa Koala Connect Project Officer for assistance. South-East Queensland Ecological Restoration Framework - Scan the QR or go to https://noosalandcare.org/wp-content/uploads/ SEQ_Ecological_Restoration_ Framework_Manual_web.pdf 33 1. 2. 3.
Project overview Noosa & District Landcare Group in partnership with Peppers Noosa Resort & Spa and Noosa Council, are working to enhance koala habitat on private land by offering subsidised restoration assistance to eligible properties. This initiative aims to create vital links between key koala habitats within the Noosa Shire, while also providing support to landowners to improve koala habitat connectivity. https://noosalandcare.org/programs/noosa-koala-connect/ Project objectives To provide support to landowners to improve koala habitat connectivity in Noosa. To encourage community participation in creating and maintaining healthy environments for koalas. Noosa Koala Connect Habitat Restoration Program 34 “Plant it and they will come”
Project requirements and considerations Restoration activities must occur in areas identified as koala habitat and within a koala corridor as mapped (see maps on page 11 and page 23). Restoration activities may include (funding origin dependent) – Revegetation works, improvements to existing koala habitat through the treatment of certain weeds; fire management activities that protect koala habitat, and fencing removal works to facilitate movement. At least 30% of the total species planted must consist of koalapreferred tree species. Restoration monitoring is required to track success. Projects that include the establishment of protection mechanisms such as a Voluntary Conservation Agreement (VCA) or Voluntary Declaration (VDec) under the Vegetation Management Act 1999 will be favourably viewed. Proudly supported by: The Noosa Koala Connect Program is proudly supported by Peppers Noosa Resort & Spa and Noosa Council 35 Register your interest. Scan to access the QR code or go to https://noosalandcare.org/programs/ noosa-koala-connect/
Importance of koala corridor connectivity Koala corridors are essential for linking feeding habitats, allowing safe movement to meet nutritional needs, and support overall health. These connections help koalas access vital resources like food, water, and shelter. Vegetated corridors also provide a safer option for young dispersal aged koalas to move into new areas and establish their own territories, thus improving the genetic diversity of the Noosa koala populations. 36
Study area (NSC 2km buffer) Corridor links Core habitat nodes Legend Koala evidence (post 2014) Protected areas LGA Boundary Boreen Point Wilsons Pocket Traveston Federal Noosa Heads Coolum Beach Tewantin Ridgewood Belli Park Eumundi Cooroy Doonan Cooroibah Noosa National Park Woondum National Park Ringtail State Forest Yurol State Forest Lake Cootharaba Peregian Springs Kin Kin Pomona Noosa koala corridors - Potential corridor network In 2025 through an expert and scientifically driven process, important priority corridors were assessed and mapped. To follow are the priority koala corridors identified that will provide connection and support for our important protected koala habitat refugia locations. Sources: SEQ Koala habitat values v4 (DESI), major koala habitat plantings (NDLCG), Earthstar Geographics, Sources: Esri, TomTom, Garmin, FAO, NOAA, USGS, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community. Scale 1:150,000 Projection: GDA2020 MGA Zone 56 Corridors (truncated at 3k cwd) Value 3000 (high) 0 (low) Koala infrastructure 37 0 1 2 3 4 5km N
Koalas thrive on a diverse range of trees, both for browsing and feeding. A koala tree can contribute to koala habitat within five years of planting, providing a sustainable environment for koalas. The following tree species are essential for koala habitat in our area. Primary feed trees EUCALYPTUS MICROCORYS Tallowwood EUCALYPTUS TERETICORNIS Forest red gum and blue gum EUCALYPTUS BANCROFTII Bancrofts red gum EUCALYPTUS ROBUSTA Swamp mahogany EUCALYPTUS PROPINQUA Small-fruited grey gum EUCALYPTUS RESINIFERA Red stringybark EUCALYPTUS PILULARIS Blackbutt Browsing trees CORYMBIA CITRIODORA Spotted gum CORYMBIA INTERMEDIA Pink bloodwood CORYMBIA TESSELLARIS Carbeen / Moreton Bay Ash EUCALYPTUS CREBA Narrow-leafed ironbark EUCALYPTUS FIBROSA Broad-leaved ironbark EUCALYPTUS GRANDIS Flooded gum EUCALYPTUS RACEMOSA Scribbly gum EUCALYPTUS SIDEROPHOLIA Qld grey ironbark LOPHOSTEMON CONFERTUS Brush box LOPHOSTEMON SUAVEOLENS Swamp box MELALEUCA QUINQUENERVIA Paperbark Trees for koalas in the Noosa region 38
39 Species name / common name Landscape Location mainly found in Noosa Shire Leaves / flowers image Tree trunk image Eucalyptus microcorys Tallowwood Eucalypus robusta Swamp mahogany Eucalyptus resinifera Red stringybark Occurs in valleys, lower hill slopes, and extending onto ridges. Prefers fertile loams but can also grow in poor fertile sands if soil moisture is sufficient. Occurs in valley bottoms, and on flats with poor drainage. It can tolerate a broad range of soil types, from infertile sands to black dense clays, and loams of varying composition. Occurs in lowland slopes, in valleys, and on sheltered flats. Prefers sandy soils and can tolerate poor drainage. Tinbeerwah, Doonan, Pomona, West Cooroy, Cooran, Doonan, Lake Macdonald, Cootharaba, Ringtail Creek. Sunshine Beach, Tewantin, Cooroibah, Tinbeerwah, Boreen Point, Cootharaba, North Shore. Found all through the Noosa Shire excluding the North Shore and Teewah. ROUGH BARKED TREES Primary feed trees in Noosa Shire
Species name / common name Landscape Location mainly found in Noosa Shire Leaves / flowers image Tree trunk image Eucalyptus tereticornis Forest red gum and blue gum Eucalypus bancroftii Bancrofts red gum Eucalyptus propinqua Smallfruited grey gum Eucalyptus pilularis Blackbutt Occurs mainly in valleys and flats. Also extends onto ridges with heavy fertile soils and along the tidal sections of rivers. Occurs on flats and low hills near the coast. Soils ranging from yellow sands to sticky yellow clays. Occurs on slopes and ridges. Soils vary from loams to heavy clays. Occurs on slopes in hilly to mountainous coastal areas, typically on sandy loams, however, adaptable to various soil types. It also grows in forests near wallum, where soils are poor. Cooroibah, Boreen Point, Kin Kin, Pomona, Cooran, West Cooroy, Tinbeerwah, Peregian. Peregian, Marcus Beach, isolated areas in Coooroibah and North Shore. Cooran Tablelands, Cooran, Pomona, Tinbeerwah, Black Mountain, West Cooroy. Cooran Tablelands, Pomona, Tinbeerwah, Doonan, Noosaville, Tewantin, Ringtail Creek, West Cooroy. SMOOTH BARKED TREES HALF BARKED TREES 40
Browsing / secondary feed trees in Noosa Shire Species name / common name Landscape Location mainly found in Noosa Shire Leaves / flowers image Tree trunk image Corymbia intermedia Pink Bloodwood Eucalypus crebra Narrowleaved Ironbark Eucalyptus fibrosa Broadleaved Ironbark Eucalyptus siderophloia Grey Ironbark Lophostemon suaveolens Swamp box Occurs in wallum, tea -tree forests, hills and ranges on all soil types. Occurrence is largely restricted to hilltops and upper slopes. Soil types vary greatly from shallow rocky soils to moderately heavy clays. Occurs in gravelly ridges and hilltops. Occurs in a wide range of areas from valley bottoms to slopes and ridgetops. Soil preference is fertile loams but can also grow quite well on poor stony ridges. Occurs in swampy habitats. Prefers moist/wet soil. Found throughout the Noosa Shire. Cooran Tablelands, Black Mountain, Federal, Tinbeerwah. Federal, West Cooroy, Black Mountain. Cooran Tablelands, Cooran, Pomona, Ringtail Creek, Tinbeerwah, West Cooroy. Found all through the Shire in swamp areas including, Noosa Heads, Peregian, Cooroy, Pomona. ROUGH BARKED TREES 41
Species name / common name Landscape Location mainly found in Noosa Shire Leaves / flowers image Tree trunk image Corymbia citriodora Spotted gum Eucalyptus grandis Flooded gum Eucalyptus racemosa Scribbly gum Eucalyptus tessellaris Carbeen / Moreton Bay Ash Lophostemon confertus Brush box Melaleuca quinquenervia Paperbark Occurs in well drained sites on hillsides and ridges. Soils are of moderately heavy texture. Occurs in flats and lower slopes of deep fertile valleys, often within rainforests. Soils consist of moist, well drained deep loams of alluvial or volcanic origin. Pure sands also common. Occurs in coastal lowlands, flats, low hills and ridges, occasionally on rocky mountain slopes. The soils are mainly sandy and infertile. It is found commonly in the drier hinterland regions and along the coastal fringe. It favours valleys and low slopes and can grow in all soil types. Occurs in moist open forest, rainforest edges. It grows best in moist fertile, welldrained soils, but can tolerate less fertile soils. Occurs in swamps, floodplains, and near rivers and estuaries. Grows in silty or swampy soils. West Cooroy, Pomona, Cooran, Kin Kin. Found throughout Noosa Shire except North Shore, Teewah, Cooroibah. Peregian, Noosa Heads, Weyba, Tewantin, Doonan, Tinbeerwah, North Shore, Teewah. Peregian, Marcus Beach, Tewantin, Federal, Elanda Point, Teewah, North Shore. Found throughout the Noosa Shire except North Shore and Teewah. Found throughout the Noosa Shire. SMOOTH BARKED TREES HALF BARKED TREES PAPER BARKED TREES
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