Koalas remain one of South East Queensland’s most iconic yet vulnerable native species, with ongoing efforts across the region to protect their populations and habitat. In the Redlands Coast, koalas live in one of the most significant urbanised pockets in Australia, and Redland City Council’s Koala Conservation Plan (2022-2027) is working to safeguard these animals through habitat restoration, community monitoring and innovative programs like Redlands Coast Koala Watch. Residents are encouraged to report sightings, help track movements and be koala-aware drivers to reduce vehicle strikes.
Meanwhile across the Scenic Rim, councils have incorporated koala habitat protection mapping into planning rules, meaning development proposals must consider koala priority areas to reduce habitat loss. These conservation actions aim to stabilise populations and support connectivity in a region facing pressure from urban expansion, vehicle collisions, disease and habitat degradation — with community involvement a key factor in helping these beloved marsupials thrive