Council prepared a Koala Management Plan(PDF, 5MB) for the Mill at Moreton Bay Redevelopment in liaison with:
- Dr Jon Hanger, Endeavour Veterinary Ecology
- Dr Bill Ellis, Researcher, University of Queensland
- Dr Peter Timms, Professor of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Health, Education & Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast.
Koala monitoring program
Council engaged Endeavour Veterinary Ecology (EVE) to commence a koala monitoring program at The Mill site. This program involved fitting koalas with bio-telemetry collars for monitoring, carrying out regular health assessments and providing veterinary treatment in the case of injury or disease.
Koala monitoring program video
Video transcript
As at 31 Otober 2020, 94 koalas have been fitted with telemetry devices for monitoring purposes and undergo regular health checks. In addition, there are 23 dependent joeys that will join the koala monitoring program as they become independent (at approximately 12 months of age).
Monitoring koalas provides several benefits including:
- ability to locate and protect koalas prior to construction activities
- conducting regular health checks
- early identification of behaviour that could indicate the presence of illness or injury
- allows for data to be collated regarding movement between trees and corridors.
Koala chlamydia vaccine
Council is a foundation funding partner with USC in the research, development and initial field trials of a chlamydia vaccine for koalas. Chlamydia is a serious threat, with 40% of all koalas presented to wildlife hospitals showing chronic symptoms of the disease which can lead to blindness, infertility and death.
Koalas that were previously monitored as part of the Peninsula Rail Line project were included in the koala chlamydia vaccine field trials. Results indicate that the chlamydial disease prevalence of this population decreased from around 28% to less than 1% which is a promising sign.
USC is continuing development of the koala chlamydia vaccine, with Council and EVE working collaboratively with USC to carry out field trials as part of The Mill koala monitoring program.
Wild dog management program
Wild dogs are known to pose a significant threat to koala populations across South East Queensland.
Council continues its extensive wild dog management program in bushland areas around The Mill site, which to date has resulted in the removal of more than 40 wild dogs from the general area. The bushland areas around the site will continue to be monitored for wild dog activity.