It’s time to report your koala encounters using a specially designed app.
The State Government’s Q-Wildlife app has recently been used to record several koala sightings in the region.
Sunshine Coast Councillor, Maria Suarez, says the info on the app can be used to build knowledge about local koala populations.
She says the app also helps to identify if the koala is healthy, sick or injured and connects people with wildlife carers who can help.
It’s also koala breeding season and people are being encouraged to keep an eye out for koalas to help keep them safe.
Breeding season runs from August to February, and this is when koalas are most active, often crossing roads and coming into people’s backyards.
Councillor Suarez said it is also when koalas can “get themselves into trouble”.
“Council is part of an Australia-wide effort to protect koalas and we encourage our community to join us to protect these iconic Australian animals,” she said.
Ways you can help when koalas are on the move and breeding;
Drive carefully and look out for koalas crossing roads from dawn until dusk.
Contain your dog at all times (day and night) and provide them with wildlife avoidance skills to protect koalas. Sign-up for a free wildlife avoidance community workshop at DogFest Sunshine Coast (Oct 21). Registrations opening soon.
Contact your nearest wildlife rescue or 1300 ANIMAL for QLD if you come across a sick or injured koala.
Consider koala-friendly fencing options. If you have a fence that may prevent koalas from accessing safe habitat, consider adding a simple escape route such as a timber post positioned at an angle to the fence. This allows koalas to climb over the fence and escape danger.
Make your pool koala-safe by ensuring you have safe escape options such as a rope in the pool.
Search ‘koalas’ on Council’s website for more tips on how you can help or visit https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/environment/native-animals/koala-conservation.
