Council makes good on koala protection promise
Published 05 August 2020
Moreton Bay Regional Council will tomorrow begin works to fix a problematic dog off-leash area at Sweeney Reserve and install signage warning of fines for irresponsible owners, following the tragic death of a koala joey.
Council today resolved to remove the current fencing and use it to construct a new 8,000 sqm off-leash area in a largely clear part of the park away from koala habitat.
Mayor Peter Flannery said he was glad to take action to fulfil the community's expectations and that Council will do everything possible to help restore koala numbers.
“Moreton Bay Region is head and shoulders above other councils having successfully grown the koala population at The Mill PDA by 22% per annum over the past three years, but we can’t rest on our laurels,” he said.
“That’s why we’re taking this decisive action to relocate fencing from a problematic area in an attempt to minimise the risk of more dog attacks in Sweeney Reserve, which is part of a koala corridor just a few hundred metres from The Mill PDA site.
“We will also install new signage to warn irresponsible dog owners to keep their pets leashed outside of these off-leash areas or risk penalties. We have also increased our patrols of Sweeney Reserve in a bid to stamp out bad behaviour.
“It’s a change that won’t impact most people, because the majority of dog owners do the right thing and are responsible for their pets.
“But I want irresponsible pet owners to hear this as a clear and resounding warning that you will be fined if you do the wrong thing.
“There are no excuses for irresponsible dog owners and they will be fined.
“Today we voted to relocate the existing dog off-leash area to a nearby clearing away from koala habitat. While this is under construction, dog owners can use nearby off-leash areas at Mungarra Reserve and Leis Park.
“Council has put in a lot of work over the past few years to preserve and grow our local koala population by implementing green infrastructure and breeding programs across the region.
“We’ve built a tunnel beneath Gympie Road from The Mill site to Sweeney Reserve so wildlife can safely pass without the threat of cars.
“We’ve installed over 20 fauna rope bridges and more than 10,000 metres of fauna exclusion fencing to help keep out wildlife and motorists safe.
“Additionally, more than 45,000 trees will be planted in our region over the next three years, including replanting’s that are currently underway at Wyllie Park directly opposite from The Mill.
“And In our 2020-21 Budget, we announced a $1.8 million land buyback initiative to protect wildlife corridors, koala habitat and greenspace.”