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Special thanksto contributingphotographers:• Bernard Jean• Ruth Huckstepp• Tammy Altmayer• Wildcare Australia• Katrina Koutsellis• Noosa Landcare• Queensland Universityof Technology• University of SunshineCoast

Koalas: Our Aussie iconSome koala factsA journey through time in the Noosa ShireDecades of changeKoala breeding seasonHow can we help koalas?Koalas on farmsSigns a koala needs to be rescuedDistribution of koalas in NoosaHow do we know they are here?Identifying koalas in your areaHow to report a koala sightingWhat happens when a sick koala isdetected by Wildwatch Noosa verifiers?How to manage koala habitat on yourpropertyNoosa Koala Connect – habitat restorationprogramImportance of koala corridor connectivityTrees for koalas in the Noosa regionContact us323436384304050709121317182224262830Table of contents

Habitat and diet:Koalas are an internationally recognised Australian marsupial who havecaptivated the world with their cuteness. Once occupying vast partsof Eastern Australia, sadly koalas today are listed as endangered toextinction in Queensland, New South Wales, and the Australian CapitalTerritory. They need our help to survive.Koalas are folivores, feeding on a diet that is nearly entirely made upof leaves from the Eucalyptus genus, although they will occasionallyeat non-Eucalypt species such as Brush Box (Lophostemonconfertus), Allocasuarina sp. and Melaleuca sp. They depend on avariety of different species to maintain their health including anumber of non-eucalypt species for shelter.Soil type and seasons have a major impact on whether leaf in acertain area is palatable. So whilst they may favour a species ofeucalypt from one area, they may not eat it if it comes from adifferent area. There are also some species of eucalypt that koalasfavour only in a specific season.In the Noosa region, we are fortunate to have a wide variety ofeucalypt dominated ecosystems that support koala populations. Thisincludes Blue Gums (Eucalyptus tereticornis) on the coastal andlower Noosa River fringes, right up to the Spotted Gums (Eucalyptuscitriodora) on our highest elevated lands in the west of the shire.Koalas: Our Aussie icon04

Lifespan:In the wild, koalas can live for animpressive 12-13 years. They are aged bythe wear pattern on their teeth.Reproduction & development:The koala breeding season in South-east Queensland extends from aroundJune through to December with mostyoung born over the summer months.Usually a single joey (twins are rare) isborn after a 34 to 36-day gestation. Thejelly-bean sized joey makes its waythrough its mother’s fur from the birthcanal to the pouch, where itimmediately attaches itself to one ofthe mother’s two teats. The joey willremain in the pouch, drinking itsmother’s milk from that same teat,until it is approximately 5.5 to 6 monthsof age. The joey will fully emerge fromthe pouch at around 6 to 6.5 months ofage to cling to its mother’s stomachduring rest. Once the joey reaches 8 to8.5 months of age it will be too big to fitin the pouch and will become what istermed a ‘back young’ until it is around12 months of age. Completeindependence from the mother occursbetween 12 to 18 months of age.Between 18 months to 2 years of age,juveniles generally move away fromtheir maternal home range to establishtheir own territory. Females will oftenchoose to set up a home range thatwill overlap their mother’s or will settlenot too far away.Average weight:On average in the Noosa region, thesecute fluffballs weigh around 6.5kg.With males reaching up to 9 kgs.Territories:Koalas are territorial and havecomplex overlapping ranges ofalpha males and females and sub-dominant animals. The size of akoala’s home range is highlyvariable and depends upon factorssuch 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 markthe trees in their territory. Maleshave a large scent gland on theirchest that they rub on trees tomark their territory. Duringbreeding season, dispersal agedkoalas are pushed from theirmaternal home range into newlocations, often travelling manykilometres to find a new location.They are highly vulnerable duringthis dispersal as they canencounter many dangers such asroads, predators and urban areas.Koalas tend to be faithful to theirhome range and will attempt toreturn if moved elsewhere(relocated). The relocation ofmature individuals that are healthyand who are coping well withintheir home range is discouragedand there are laws in place toprevent this practice.Communication:Koalas have distinctive calls thatare more noticeable duringbreeding season. Males have alow-pitched bellow but whenthreatened can also make loudscreams and squeaks. Femalesproduce various loud sounds,such as screams, squeaks, andshort bellows.Some koala facts05

Sleep:Koalas are well known for their abilityto sleep up to 20hrs per day due totheir low energy diet of leaf.Hearing:Koalas have excellent hearing, whichfacilitates communication with otherkoalas over long distances.Camouflage technique:Their speckled rear aids incamouflage amongst the trees.Despite their size, they can be verydifficult to see from the ground or byspotlighting. Even skilled koalaspotters can only usually see a koalaknown to be in a tree around 40% ofthe time.Sense of smell:Their heightened sense of smellhelps detect leaf for eating. Koalascan determine the palatability andtoxin levels of a leaf by its smell.Protective coat:They have a thick, woolly coat thatis equipped to protect them fromrain and extreme temperatures.The dorsal (back) fur of the koala isthe most insulated of anymarsupial found to date, and inthe past, was heavily sought afterfor the fur industry. In coldweather, koalas will curl into a ballwith the dorsal fur providingeffective insulation from the coldand rain.Koalas have a mid-opening, slightly backwards facing pouch, adistinctive feature they share with their closest relatives, the wombat.Koala noses are just as unique. 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, whilefemales have smaller, daintier noses.Koala ear tags are a clue to their rescue history! If a koala has beenrescued in the past, you might spot a tag in one of their ears. Femalesare tagged in their right ear, while males are tagged on their left.Cool fun facts06

A glimpse into the past:Between the 1890s and 1950s,the Noosa hinterland witnessedsignificant forest clearing fortimber and agriculture.Extensive clearing for exotic andnative tree plantations occurredfrom the 1950s to the 1980s.The 1980s and 1990s broughtsubstantial habitat loss due toresidential development,particularly on the coast.The land underwent transformationsthat would impact its ecosystemsand native inhabitants for manydecades to come.07Undated photograph of land clearance by clear felling and ringbarking near Pomona. Land clearance was generallycarried out soon after settlement. Likely dates would be in the range of 1870-1890. (Source: Waterson and French 1987)A journeythroughtime in theNoosa Shire

Koalas and the pelt industryPelt 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 thisperiod, pelts were traded with noregulation or record keeping. US import ban (1927): HerbertHoover, the USA’s secretary forcommerce, prohibited koala skinimports into the USA. Legislation protection: TheQueensland Fauna Protect Act 1937protected koalas from hunting dueto community opposition and verylow population estimates acrosstheir range. Relocation efforts: Populationswere considered so low that in the1960s, six koalas were relocated intoNoosa National Park from theCaboolture region to boost thepopulation. Relocation programsoccurred at the same time acrossmany parts of the nation.08Koala pelt trade - John Oxley Library BrisbaneFur trade - Mitchell State Library NSWKoala reintroductions Noosa National Park 1960's

Key achievements over the last decadeScan the QR code toexplore the currentNoosa Council KoalaConservation Plan.Strategic koala habitat planning:Comprehensive planning at local and statelevels to protect and enhance koala habitats.This includes the establishment of Noosa’sKoala Conservation Plan in 2016 and an updatein 2025.Environmental land acquisitions: Significantland parcels purchased through NoosaCouncil’s Environment Levy and National Parkexpansion initiatives to secure vital habitat.Private land conservation: Hundreds of privatelandholders conserving vegetation ontheir properties.Collaborative restoration projects: Severalprivate landholders, in partnership withconservation agencies, undertaking extensivekoala habitat restoration projects on theirproperties.Yurol and Ringtail State Forest Koala HabitatProject: A monumental initiative involving theextinguishment of forestry activities, restorationand conversion to National Park of 2400ha ofcritical wildlife corridor area. The project wasinitiated by Noosa Parks Association with thestrong foundational support of Noosa Council,Queensland Government, and HQ Plantations.Veterinary breakthroughs: Advancement ofthe koala chlamydia vaccine and significantadvancements in disease and injury treatmentoptions.Enhanced surveying techniques:Advancements in surveying techniquesallowing greater understanding of koalahabitat distribution and density.Decades ofchangeNoosa Council KoalaConservation Plan09

Good news: Our koala population is now recovering in the Noosa regionwith densities estimated to be approximately 0.2 koalas per hectare ingood habitat.Restoration of forests and native regeneration: Large scale efforts arereconnecting corridors and providing vital food and habitat resourcesfor our koalas.Current concern: Genetic diversity does however remain compromiseddue to previous low population numbers caused by historical huntingand habitat fragmentation. Reinstating koala corridors to allow forgenetic dispersal and improving the condition of recovering bushland iscritical to support our recovering koala population.A beacon of hope

LegendStudy area (NSC 2km buffer)Noosa LGAPlantationVegetation containing koala habitat values - Rating4 - SEQ core koala habitat, Irkha or large koala habitat planting3 - SEQ non-core koala habitat2 - Other woody vegetation > 2m containing high pre-clear khv1 - Other woody vegetation > 2m containing medium pre-clear khvThe good news echoes through the trees - our forests are making a comeback due tothe positive strides we are taking towards restoring our precious landscapes and theresilience of nature. The map below shows our current Koala Habitat areas, whichincludes both remnant and regrowth areas.TravestonFederalRidgewoodWoondumNational ParkWilsons PocketBelli ParkPomonaKin KinCooroyEumundiRingtail StateForestYurol StateForest CooroibahDoonanLakeCootharabaBoreen PointPeregian SpringsCoolum BeachTewantinNoosa HeadsNoosa National ParkNoosa koala corridors -Vegetation containing koala habitat values Scale 1:150,000Projection: GDA2020 MGA Zone 56Sources: 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.110 1 2 3 45kmN

A time for love and movementOccurs typically between June andDecember, marking the breedingseason for koalas.Koalas are on the move looking formates, engaging in mating activitiesand displaying territorial behaviour.Juveniles reaching sexual maturityventure out during this period, seekingtheir own territories.Risks during the seasonIncreased movement raises therisk of koalas being hit by cars orfinding themselves in dangerouslocations.Vulnerability to dog attacks isheightened during their search formates and new territory.Chlamydia transmission increasesduring mating encounters.Koala breeding season12

1. Habitat retention and enhancementThreat: Loss of habitat, lack of connectivity and a decline inhabitat condition.Solution: Protecting existing koala habitat from clearing,improving the condition of existing koala habitat throughweed and fire management and strategic planting of koalatrees to recreate their habitat and establish connectioncorridors between forests to allow for safe movement.By addressing these threatsand implementing proactivesolutions, we can contributeto the well-being andconservation of our local koalas.How can wehelp koalas?13

2. Dogs and domestic livestock managementThreat: 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 strikeKoalas in Noosa face significant threats from vehicle strikes, particularly duringthe breeding season from June to December. During this period, koalas aremore mobile as they search for mates, and young koalas disperse from theirmothers. This increased movement heightens the risk of accidents on roadsthat 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.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.We're on the move, please drive withcare KOALAS ON THE MOVE15

4. DiseaseWet or stained rumpsCrusty, red or weepy eyesWet or stained rumpsCrusty, red or weepy eyesThreat: Chlamydia visual symptoms include a wet and/or stained rumpand/or crusty, red or weepy eyes. Chlamydia is spread during mating andalso from mum to joey during rearing.Solution: Chlamydia is fatal if left untreated in koalas in our region. Earlyassessment and treatment of chlamydia has a much higher chance ofsuccessful rehabilitation and release than more advanced disease cases.Report all diseased koala sightings immediately to the Wildlife Rescuecontacts listed at the rear of this booklet. Koala health assessment isusually undertaken using zoom photography, so if you have the ability totake 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 thisbooklet for contacts).16

Balancing Agriculture andKoala HabitatMuch of our good quality agriculturalland is found on floodplains withhigher fertility and higher soilmoisture. Before historical clearingoccurred in our region, these samefloodplains were some of the highestquality eucalypt forests and bestkoala habitat in the landscape.Koalas will travel large distances tofeed on the leaf of nitrogen richpaddock Eucalypts on farmlands.In doing so, encountering livestock,domestic dogs, fences and waterimpoundments.Trees on farms provide a multitude ofbenefits including shade for livestock,soil stabilization and water qualityimprovements.Opportunities exist to enhance bothagricultural sustainability and koalahabitat values by retaining paddocktrees and also revegetating gullies,waterway zones (riparian areas) andsteep slopes. Incorporating koalafood trees into revegetation specieslists and replacement paddock treeprograms can support the creation oflocal koala corridors.Various assistance programs exist foragricultural producers to enhance thesustainability and habitat values oftheir farms.Koalas on farms17

Signs a koalaneeds to berescuedMonitoring these signs and reporting them promptlyensures quick intervention, potentially leading to thekoala’s full recovery.18

191. Sitting on the ground2. Sitting in the same treeKoala is foundinthe sametreeformore than 48 hours.Signs of a healthy koala:Bright, alert and responsive todisturbance with erect ears. Well-nourished and slightly pot-bellied.Clean mouth and nose with pinkcolouration. Moving from one treeto another every one to two days.Signs of an unhealthy koala:Sitting in the same tree for morethan two days, unresponsive, andnot making an attempt to moveaway when disturbed. Skinny orwith rough and possibly brownishfur appearance, Mouth and nosemay have discharge, drooling, orabrasions.Koala is foundsitting on the ground for an extended period.Signs of a healthy koala:Sitting on the ground is brief andthey should move away whenapproached, as koalas are mostvulnerable in this position. Theytypically only stay on the groundmomentarily when movingbetween trees.Signs of an unhealthy koala:Sleeping on ground or sitting atthe base of a tree for an extendedperiod and not moving away whenapproached.

203. Movement difficultyKoala is showingdifficultyclimbing or moving.Signs of a healthy movement:Ground movement: Koalasmay appear limping, circling orfalling to one side, and may beunresponsive to disturbances.Tree climbing: Difficultyclimbing trees or a lack ofconfidence in their movementscould signal weakness, injury orhealth issues.Ground movement: Koalason the ground should moveconfidently between trees,walking or running withpurpose. They have a slightly“rolling” gait - their front legsstride out long and fast, whiletheir back legs seem to lifthigher than necessary. Beingmost vulnerable on the ground,koalas stay alert and deliberatein their actions.Tree climbing: Healthy koalasclimb trees with ease andconfidence, displaying strengthand agility as they navigatebranches.Signs of an unhealthy movement:

214. Wet and/or dirty bottom5. Crusty and infected eyesIndicates conjunctivitis from chlamydia, causing swollen, inflamed, weepyor crusty eyes. If untreated, it can result in blindness and condition decline.Early treatment can facilitate full recovery.Indicates cystitis,apainful bladder infection caused by a chlamydiainfection. Untreated, it can lead to kidney damage and death. Earlytreatment can facilitate full recovery.Signs of a healthy koala:A clean white spotty rump and athick grey coat.Signs of an unhealthy koala:Wet and or Brown or rustystaining on the rump.Signs of a healthy koala:Bright, clear eyes that are free fromswelling or discharge. No fur lossaround the eyes.Signs of an unhealthy koala:Weepy, swollen, red and/or crustyyellow eye surrounds, indicatingpotential infection or illness.

22Distribution ofkoalas in Noosa

Koala distribution in NoosaTheNoosaregion has koala populations across most of the areas where eucalypt forest exist. Up-to-date mapping can be viewed on thepublic Wildwatch Noosa dashboard. Link to Wildwatch dash board forlive map and QR code (refer to page 29 to contribute a record).LegendStudy area (NSC 2km buffer)LGA BoundaryHard barriers - Lakes, major rivers, highwayDensity of Sightings2 - High1 - MediumScale 1:150,000Projection: GDA2020 MGA Zone 56Earthstar Geographics, Sources: Esri, TomTom, Garmin, FAO, NOAA, USGS, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community. Koala records(NSC), Major koala habitat plantings (2025, NDLCG)230 1 2 3 45kmN

How do we know they're here?Citizen science sightingsKoala sightings reported by the community through various channels,including social media, Council, RSPCA, iNaturalist, and Wildwatch Noosa.Koala rescue group recordsSpecialised groups actively engaging in rescuing and responding to reportedkoala sightings.24

Drone surveysUsing specialised thermal drone technology to conduct surveys, offers acomprehensive and efficient means of detecting koala presence in specific areas.Detection dogsEmploying specially trained koala detection dogs to detect koala presencethrough identification of their scat.Various methods contribute to actively monitoring the presenceof koalas in the region.25

Identifying koalasin your area26

Look:Look up into theeucalyptus trees, down forscat, and forward for clawmarks on the trunks.Listen:Listen for their distinctivebellows, grunts, and calls.The Wildwatch NoosaDashboard has links toaudio recordings forreference.Smell:Detect their strongeucalyptus scent.Use your senses27

You can access dashboards to view existingkoala sightings and other iconic species inthe Noosa area. Features include viewingall koala observations, including profiles,diseases, threats, and area descriptions usinginteractive maps.Help us protect Noosa’s koalas by recording any sightings through theWildwatch Noosa dashboard – your contribution makes a difference!See your report in real timeHow to report a koalasighting28

You can submit koalaobservations via a desktop orsmart device. Access isavailable through theWildwatch Noosa dashboard(URL link) or QR code on thispage. Using a smart device isan easier option as it capturesGPS locations automatically.The app also works offline,allowing you to saveobservations and completethem later.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-relatedquestions 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.Scan to access the field App. It isrecommended you use the fieldApp if using a smart device.1. Download the app:Install the ArcGIS Survey123 app using the QR code (allow all permissions). This is a one-time setup.2. Load the survey:Scan the QR code again to download the “Wildwatch Noosa” survey. The survey will stay on your device for future use.3. Open the survey:Select “Continue without signing in.”4. 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.How to download theWildwatch Noosa appScan the QR codeHow to get started29Filling out the surveyform using the fieldappThe Wildwatch Noosa survey isquick, user-friendly, anddesigned to streamline yourobser vations:

(Contact details are at the rearof this booklet). This ensuresthat injured or sick koalasreceive timely and appropriatecare, to ensure their well-being.The koala undergoes necessaryveterinary care at the hospital.6. Release back to areaOnce the koala has fully recovered andis deemed healthy, it is released backto its natural habitat in the same areawhere safe.If the koala is found to be unwell, it istransported to the Australia ZooWildlife Hospital for veterinarytreatment.5. Recovery and rehabilitationWhen a koala is reported, theinformation is received by WildwatchNoosa.2. Submission is verifiedEntry is verified by an expert reviewer.If photos were submitted with theentry, a desktop health assessment isundertaken. The record submitter maybe contacted, and a rescueintervention of the koala may beinstigated if the koala shows signs ofillness.3. Wildlife rescuerinterventionA wildlife rescuer may be contacted toconduct a visual health check on thereported koala using binoculars andzoom camera.4. Medical treatment if unwellNOTE - If the matter isurgent, the symptomsare obvious and thekoala needs assistance,please contact akoala rescue groupimmediately.1. Report submissionWhat happens when asick koala is detected byWildwatch Noosa verifiers?For all other situations:30

31

321. Manage invasive weedsWeeds can reduce the health of koalahabitat, retard natural eucalypt recruitmentand restrict koala movement throughbushland.Common weeds in the Noosa Region thatcause significant impact to Koala habitatinclude but are not limited to:2. Manage fire risk Whilekoalas have survived living in fire-adapted eucalypt habitats for manythousands of years, new fire practicesand changing climate over the lastcentury has changed fire intensity andbushland structure, making it moredifficult for the species to survive theseintense fires. For further informationand useful resources, visit the SouthEast Queensland Fire & BiodiversityConsortiumhttps://www.fireandbiodiversity.org.au/ Cat's claw creeper vine & Madeira vine– are serious transformer vine weeds thathave a habit of smothering even matureEucalypt trees if left unchecked. NoosaLandcare’s Cats Claw Creeper CrusadeProgram can provide assistance -https://noosalandcare.org/programs/cats-claw-creeper-crusade/Lantana (Lantana camara) – is anunderstory shrub that grows in thicketsand can restrict movement for koalasand increase fire intensity in bushland.Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximusvar. maximus) – a tall and thick grassthat provides an impenetrable wall formovement in large infestations and canincrease fire intensity in bushland. South African pigeon grass (Setariasphacelata) – a common exotic pasturegrass with a thick and tall growth habitthat can restrict koala movement acrosslandscapes and retard eucalyptrecruitment.A useful resource to learn moreabout weeds can be found atthe following web tool - WeedIdentification – Brisbane CityCouncil. Alternately, get in contactwith Noosa Landcare for furtherassistance.3. RevegetationRevegetation tocreate corridors and habitat stepping-stones.Undertaking restoration works toimprove the structure and diversityof plant species in an area cangreatly improve the attractivenessof a site as habitat and also theability of a site to be a corridor formany species, not just koalas.How to manage koalahabitat on your property

33Undertaking revegetation projects1. Seek adviceObtaining local knowledge to help plan yourproject is a great idea. Advice is available bycontacting the Noosa Koala Connect ProjectOfficer at Noosa Landcare. If you are registeredwith Land for Wildlife or are part of theVoluntary Conservation Agreements Programwith Noosa Council you can contact NoosaCouncil’s conservation partnerships team foradvice also(Contact details at rear of booklet).2. ResourcesSelf 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). 3. PlanningYour 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 regenerationDirect planting of seedlings.For those interested in learning in detail aboutrestoration 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.33 - Scan the QR or go tohttps://noosalandcare.org/wp-content/uploads/SEQ_Ecological_Restoration_Framework_Manual_web.pdfSouth-East QueenslandEcological Restoration Framework

Project objectives34Project objectivesTo provide support to landowners to improve koalahabitat connectivity in Noosa. To encourage community participation in creatingand maintaining healthy environments for koalas.Noosa & District Landcare Group in partnership with Peppers Noosa Resort &Spa and Noosa Council, are working to enhance koala habitat on private land byoffering subsidised restoration assistance to eligible properties. This initiative aimsto create vital links between key koala habitats within the Noosa Shire, while alsoproviding support to landowners to improve koala habitat connectivity. Noosa Koala ConnectHabitat RestorationProgram 34Project overview https://noosalandcare.org/programs/noosa-koala-connect/

Register yourinterest. Scanto access the QRcode or go tohttps://noosalandcare.org/programs/noosa-koala-connect/Proudly supported by:The Noosa Koala Connect Program isproudly supported by Peppers NoosaResort & Spa and Noosa Council Project requirements andconsiderationsRestoration activities must occur inareas identified as koala habitat andwithin a koala corridor as mapped (seemaps on page 11 and page 23). Restoration activities may include(funding origin dependent) –Revegetation works, improvements toexisting koala habitat through thetreatment of certain weeds; firemanagement activities that protectkoala habitat, and fencing removalworks to facilitate movement. At least 30% of the total speciesplanted must consist of koala-preferred tree species. Restoration monitoring is required totrack success. Projects that include theestablishment of protectionmechanisms such as a VoluntaryConservation Agreement (VCA) orVoluntary Declaration (VDec) underthe Vegetation Management Act 1999will be favourably viewed.35

Koala corridors are essential for linking feeding habitats, allowing safemovement to meet nutritional needs, and support overall health. Theseconnections help koalas access vital resources like food, water, andshelter. Vegetated corridors also provide a safer option for young dispersal agedkoalas to move into new areas and establish their own territories, thusimproving the genetic diversity of the Noosa koala populations.36Importance of koalacorridor connectivity

LegendKoala evidence (post 2014)Protected areas LGA BoundaryStudy area (NSC 2km buffer)Corridor linksCore habitat nodesCorridors (truncated at 3k cwd)Value3000 (high)0 (low)Koala infrastructureTravestonFederalRidgewoodWoondumNational ParkWilsons PocketBelli ParkPomonaKin KinCooroyEumundiRingtail StateForestYurol StateForest CooroibahDoonanLakeCootharabaBoreen PointPeregian SpringsCoolum BeachTewantinNoosa HeadsNoosa National ParkNoosa koala corridors -Potential corridor network In2025 through an expert and scientifically driven process, important prioritycorridors were assessed and mapped. To follow are the priority koala corridorsidentified that will provide connection and support for our important protected koalahabitat refugia locations.Scale 1:150,000Projection: GDA2020 MGA Zone 56Sources: 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.370 1 2 3 45kmN

Koalas thrive on a diverserange of trees, both forbrowsing and feeding. Akoala tree can contributeto koala habitat within fiveyears of planting, providinga sustainable environmentfor koalas. The following treespecies are essential for koalahabitat in our area.EUCALYPTUS MICROCORYSTallowwoodEUCALYPTUS TERETICORNIS Forest red gum and blue gumEUCALYPTUS BANCROFTII Bancrofts red gumEUCALYPTUS ROBUSTA Swamp mahoganyEUCALYPTUS PROPINQUA Small-fruited grey gumEUCALYPTUS RESINIFERA Red stringybarkEUCALYPTUS PILULARIS BlackbuttCORYMBIA CITRIODORASpotted gumCORYMBIA INTERMEDIA Pink bloodwoodCORYMBIA TESSELLARIS Carbeen / Moreton Bay AshEUCALYPTUS CREBA Narrow-leafed ironbarkEUCALYPTUS FIBROSA Broad-leaved ironbarkEUCALYPTUS GRANDIS Flooded gumEUCALYPTUS RACEMOSA Scribbly gumEUCALYPTUS SIDEROPHOLIA Qld grey ironbarkLOPHOSTEMON CONFERTUS Brush boxLOPHOSTEMON SUAVEOLENS Swamp boxMELALEUCA QUINQUENERVIA PaperbarkBrowsing treesPrimary feed treesTrees forkoalas inthe Noosaregion38

Primary feed trees in Noosa ShireTallowwood39SwampmahoganyRedstringybarkROUGH BARKED TREESSpeciesname /commonnameLandscapeOccurs invalleys, lowerhill slopes, andextending ontoridges. Prefersfertile loamsbut can alsogrow in poorfertile sands ifsoil moisture issufficient.Occurs in valleybottoms, and onflats with poordrainage. It cantolerate a broadrange of soiltypes, frominfertile sands toblack denseclays, and loamsof varyingcomposition.Occurs inlowland slopes, invalleys, and onsheltered flats.Prefers sandysoils and cantolerate poordrainage.Found allthrough theNoosa Shireexcludingthe NorthShore andTeewah.Locationmainlyfound inNoosa ShireSunshineBeach,Tewantin,Cooroibah,Tinbeerwah,BoreenPoint,Cootharaba,North Shore.Tinbeerwah,Doonan,Pomona,West Cooroy,Cooran,Doonan,LakeMacdonald,Cootharaba,RingtailCreek.Leaves /flowersimageTreetrunkimageEucalypusrobustaEucalyptusmicrocorysEucalyptusresinifera

Bancroftsred gumSmall-fruited greygumOccurs on slopesand ridges. Soilsvary from loamsto heavy clays.SMOOTH BARKED TREESSpeciesname /commonnameLandscapeEucalyptustereticornisForest redgum andblue gumOccurs mainly invalleys and flats.Also extends ontoridges with heavyfertile soils andalong the tidalsections of rivers.Occurs on flatsand low hills nearthe coast. Soilsranging fromyellow sands tosticky yellow clays.HALF BARKED TREESEucalyptuspilularisBlackbuttOccurs on slopesin hilly tomountainouscoastal areas,typically on sandyloams, however,adaptable tovarious soil types.It also growsin forests nearwallum, wheresoils are poor.CooranTablelands,Pomona,Tinbeerwah,Doonan,Noosaville,Tewantin,RingtailCreek, WestCooroy.CooranTablelands,Cooran,Pomona,Tinbeerwah,BlackMountain,West Cooroy.Locationmainlyfound inNoosa ShireCooroibah,BoreenPoint, KinKin, Pomona,Cooran,West Cooroy,Tinbeerwah,Peregian.Peregian,Marcus Beach,isolated areasin Coooroibahand NorthShore.Leaves /flowersimageTreetrunkimage40EucalypusbancroftiiEucalyptuspropinqua

Browsing / secondary feed trees in Noosa ShireBroad-leavedIronbarkNarrow-leavedIronbarkPinkBloodwoodEucalyptussiderophloiaGreyIronbarkOccurs in a widerange of areas fromvalley bottoms toslopes andridgetops. Soilpreference is fertileloams but can alsogrow quite well onpoor stony ridges.LophostemonsuaveolensSwamp boxOccurs inswampyhabitats. Prefersmoist/wet soil.ROUGH BARKED TREESSpeciesname /commonnameLandscape Locationmainlyfound inNoosa ShireCorymbiaintermediaOccurs in wallum,tea -tree forests,hills and rangeson all soil types.Foundthroughoutthe NoosaShire.Occurrence islargely restrictedto hilltops andupper slopes. Soiltypes vary greatlyfrom shallow rockysoils to moderatelyheavy clays.CooranTablelands,BlackMountain,Federal,Tinbeerwah.Occurs in gravellyridges andhilltops.Federal, WestCooroy, BlackMountain.CooranTablelands,Cooran,Pomona,RingtailCreek,Tinbeerwah,West Cooroy.Found allthrough theShire inswamp areasincluding,Noosa Heads,Peregian,Cooroy,Pomona.Leaves /flowersimageTreetrunkimageEucalypuscrebraEucalyptusfibrosa41

ScribblygumFloodedgumCarbeen /MoretonBay AshBrush boxHALF BARKED TREESSMOOTH BARKED TREESSpeciesname /commonnameLandscapeOccurs in welldrained siteson hillsides andridges. Soils are ofmoderately heavytexture.PAPER BARKED TREESMelaleucaquinquenerviaPaperbarkOccurs in swamps,floodplains, andnear rivers andestuaries. Growsin silty or swampysoils.Foundthroughoutthe NoosaShire.Foundthroughoutthe NoosaShire exceptNorth Shoreand Teewah.FoundthroughoutNoosa Shireexcept NorthShore,Teewah,Cooroibah.Locationmainlyfound inNoosa ShireLeaves /flowersimageTreetrunkimageEucalyptusgrandisEucalyptusracemosaEucalyptustessellarisLophostemonconfertusPeregian,Noosa Heads,Weyba,Tewantin,Doonan,Tinbeerwah,North Shore,Teewah.Occurs in flats andlower slopes of deepfertile valleys, oftenwithin rainforests.Soils consist ofmoist, well draineddeep loams ofalluvial or volcanicorigin. Pure sandsalso common.It is foundcommonly in thedrier hinterlandregions and alongthe coastal fringe. Itfavours valleys andlow slopes and cangrow in all soiltypes.Peregian,Marcus Beach,Tewantin,Federal,Elanda Point,Teewah, NorthShore.CorymbiacitriodoraSpottedgumWest Cooroy,Pomona,Cooran, KinKin.Occurs in coastallowlands, flats, lowhills and ridges,occasionally onrocky mountainslopes. The soils aremainly sandy andinfertile.Occurs in moistopen forest,rainforest edges. Itgrows best in moistfertile, well-drainedsoils, but cantolerate less fertilesoils.

43Report koalasNoosa Council Learn more about Noosa Council’s koalainitiatives including the Noosa Koala Planhere - https://www.noosa.qld.gov.au/Environment-and-Waste/Environment/Trees-plants-and-animals/Koalas Noosa Council coordinates theConservation Partnerships Programincluding the Land for Wildlife Programand the Voluntary ConservationAgreements Program. To get involvedcontact Noosa Council's conservationpartnerships officer at environment@noosa.qld.gov.au or call (07) 5329 6500.Make a donationNoosa & District Landcare Group Visit our website for additionalinformationReportall koala sightings to Wildwatch Noosa and report sick, injured, or orphaned koalasimmediately to the Noosa Region Koala Rescue Team(Wildcare Australia) on07 5527 2444 or RSPCA’s Hotline on 1300 ANIMAL.Tomake a securedonation to NoosaLandcare to support thisprogram head to ourwebsite. Become amember or donate today!https://noosalandcare.org/programs/noosa-koala-connect/info@noosalandcare.orgPh (07) 5485 2468Become a member and receive discounts for plants and services, newsletters and attend free monthly Landcare Linkup Workshops.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.43Contact us

Our sponsors: thank you!We extendour sincere gratitudeto the sponsors who made thisproject possible: noosalandcare.org info@noosalandcare.org Ph (07) 5485 2468