Media release from Ipswich City Council
Koalas set to benefit from new conservation reserve
Ipswich City Council has provided in-principle support to a proposal by the Queensland Government to investigate the potential for a Koala Nature Refuge within the Woolshed Creek Conservation Reserve.
Woolshed Creek near Grandchester, Ipswich
Environment and Conservation Committee Chairperson Councillor Heather Morrow endorsed council support for this plan as a positive step to further strengthen measures to preserve local wildlife.
"Koalas have a special place in all of our hearts as an internationally recognised symbol of Australia and council takes our custodianship of their local habitats seriously," Cr Morrow said.
"When the Queensland government approached council about the possibility of establishing a nature refuge especially for our local koala population at Woolshed Creek Reserve the idea was met with enthusiasm.
"The Queensland Government will need to undertake an assessment of the Reserve before they can give final approval for this program to occur.
"Woolshed Creek Reserve is a 259 hectare property located within the broader Grandchester / Woolshed Creek conservation area - a 1,000 hectare site recently purchased through the Ipswich Enviroplan.
"The Ipswich Enviroplan is a diverse range of measures that protect large areas of natural bushland and provides landowners who sign up to the scheme with support for environmental protection of their land under flexible agreements with council."
The region’s koalas may soon have a new nature refuge to call home. David Nielsen
Division 10 Councillor David Pahlke said the local koala population was special for residents who will welcome news of council's support for this possible refuge.
"Koalas are a great part of living in Division 10, local residents and visitors alike love spotting them in the wild," Cr Pahlke said.
"The Grandchester / Woolshed area was targeted by council for purchase under the Enviroplan in part for the large tracts of high value koala habitat suitable for protection and rehabilitation.
"It's great that the state government has recognised this and are seeking to join us in our efforts to protect the local koala population."
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