Koala habitat secured for preservation at Bunya

Published 12 April 2023

Koala in a tree in Moreton Bay region

Council’s fifth purchase under the Land Buyback for Environmental Purposes program has taken the region another step toward preserving 75% of Moreton Bay’s land mass from development. 

Mayor Peter Flannery said the 14.5-hectare property at 519 Bunya Road, Bunya had increased Council’s overall tally to 99 hectares of land preserved since the program was introduced in 2020. 

“This prime koala and wildlife habitat will now remain untouched by development for many years to come thanks to Council’s Land Buyback For Environmental Purposes program,” Mayor Flannery said. 

“This not only helps Council restrict Moreton Bay’s urban footprint to just 25% of the region’s landmass, but it helps connect existing wildlife corridors so that koalas and the like can move freely throughout our region. 

“We know that Moreton Bay’s human population is growing, which is why we’re putting these measures in place now to protect our koalas and other wildlife by maintaining and enhancing the connectivity of our natural assets. 

“We have plenty more properties that we’re looking at to help expand our green network further and I can’t wait to celebrate our 100th hectare purchased under the Land Buyback program in the near future.” 

Mayor Peter Flannry and Councillor Matt Constance tour the lastest Land Buyback property at Bunya

Councillor Matt Constance (Div 10) said he was glad Council had secured the first property within the Hills District of Moreton Bay. 

“The Hills District is full of lush Australian bushland that’s just perfect for all kinds of wildlife like koalas to call home,” he said. 

“It’s a major drawcard for residents to have that connection to nature and we know locals want to see more protections in place for our wildlife, so I’m glad Council was able to deliver by purchasing this key property in Bunya. 

“Instead of falling into the hands of developers in the future, it will remain a great natural asset to the community and our local wildlife. 

“Council officers will now monitor this land and rehabilitate it if necessary by removing invasive weeds and planting further wildlife habitat to help improve this sanctuary for wildlife.” 

Please visit Council’s website for more information about the Land Buyback for Environmental Purposes program.