Volunteers are needed to plant fodder trees that will help nourish sick and orphaned koalas on the Sunshine Coast.
The trees are being planted at Kureelpa on November 15 to help the RSPCA’s Eumundi Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre care for koalas.
Sunshine Coast Council Division 10 Councillor, David Law, said a lack of local fodder meant volunteers had to travel long distances to find enough food for koalas in need.
“This new plantation will be at Shamley Heath Park in Kureelpa, in an unused paddock unsuitable for recreational use,” Cr Law said.
“Once matured, the 1500 new trees would create easy access for koala carers to collect fresh leaves for rescued koalas.
“Recently, of the 14 koalas being cared for by our local RSPCA, 12 have needed to be relocated for fodder, so we hope this planting will make a big difference for our local koala population and the wonderful volunteers who support them.”
Cr Law called on locals to join the planting day, and support koala and habitat conservation.
“Come along for a great day out, learn about the varieties of eucalyptus trees koalas like and how the plantation plays a key role for local organisations caring for koalas,” Cr Law said.
“Planting the right kind of food trees is essential for ensuring the future of our koalas, and education is key to restoring and conserving koala habitat.”
Koalas are an iconic Australian animal facing threats from habitat loss, climate change, disease and human activity, contributing to population declines.
According to the Australia Koala Foundation, there are only 60,000 koalas left in the wild.
RSPCA Queensland Spokesperson Emma Lagoon said the plantation was positive news for our endangered koalas.
“It’s a no-brainer that more trees planted for koala feed is critical to their rehabilitation and return to the wild. The Kureelpa Koala Fodder Plantation represents a vital lifeline for the koalas in our care at Eumundi,” Ms Lagoon said.
“Sick and injured koalas can require months of rehabilitation and recovery at the RSPCA; that’s a lot of fresh leaf needed to feed our hungry patients! Having access to fresh, nutritious leaves right on our doorstep is invaluable in being able to deliver the highest quality nutrition for koalas in need.”
For more information and to register to volunteer for the community planting day visit Eventbrite.
