Koalas across Moreton Bay

Koalas are marsupials native to Australia. They depend on eucalyptus forests for food and shelter. Their breeding season runs from July to December, during which males become more vocal and territorial.

Across the country, populations are declining because of urbanisation and disease. Council’s conservation efforts, such as the Green Infrastructure Program and Koala Management Plan, are helping restore their habitats.

While exact numbers are unclear, data suggests a strong presence, especially in Petrie. At The Mill, populations have grown by 22% annually since 2017, highlighting the success of conservation initiatives.

Where to see koalas

Koalas are often sighted in parks, nature reserves, school playgrounds and in trees along road verges. You may also spot this iconic Australian animal when visiting: 

• John Oxley Reserve, Murrumba Downs 
• Old Petrie Town, Whiteside 
• Chelsea Street Reserve, Rothwell 
• Kurwongbah Park, Petrie 
• Whiteside Park, Whiteside. 

Report an injured koala or sighting

You can report an injured koala to a local wildlife rescue group. Learn more about helping sick or injured native wildlife.

If you've seen a koala, help Council manage our local environment by reporting your sighting. 

How you can help protect koalas

These marsupials live in many urban areas around Moreton Bay, where threats to the species include habitat loss, road mortality and dog attacks. 

When driving, watch for wildlife signs and obey speed limits to help protect native animals from harm. You can also take part in local restoration activities and voluntary conservation programs. 

Koala habitat and illegal tree clearing

Koalas rely on Australian native trees such as gum, brush box, paperbark, bloodwood and myrtle trees for their survival. Your property could be in a habitat area that supports koalas and local wildlife.

Clearing native trees and vegetation in a declared habitat area without Council approval may be an offence.

Learn more about clearing trees and vegetation.

Identify if your property is in a koala habitat area

You're generally not allowed to clear or lop trees in a koala habitat or priority area without approval. To see if your property is in these areas, request a vegetation management report. The report also shows which categories of vegetation are on your property. You will need to provide the lot and plan number of your property. To find your lot and plan number, use Council's my property lookup.

You can also access koala habitat mapping through Queensland Globe. This is an interactive map that shows various spatial layers.

Find out if there are koalas on or near your property

Your backyard could be considered koala habitat. To find out if there are any on or near your property, you can: 

• look for them in the forks of trees 
• check for scratch marks on tree trunks 
• examine the ground for droppings 
• listen for bellows, grunts and low-pitched snarls during breeding season 
• check for a strong musk scent produced by adult males during breeding season. 

Support native plants and habitat restoration

Planting native trees in your backyard is a simple way to support koala habitats and local wildlife. As urban development continues to affect natural landscapes, planting native trees helps rebuild essential food sources and provides shelter for koalas and other local wildlife. 

Native species are well-suited to local conditions, need less water, and attract birds, insects, and other pollinators. To support this effort, Council provides residential property owners with a free native plant voucher each year. Learn more or request a native plant voucher.

Protect koalas from dogs 

You can reduce the threat these marsupials face from dogs by: 

• checking trees before allowing your dog to roam
• installing an animal-proof boundary fence to secure your dog and prevent koalas from entering your property 
• notifying your neighbours of sightings in your area

• walking your dog on a lead unless in a designated off-leash area.

Conservation projects and programs 

Council supports koalas in Moreton Bay through conservation projects and programs. Council is working to enhance wildlife habitat across Moreton Bay. The Living with Wildlife video provides highlights of this work. 

Watch the highlights video