Noosa residents and wildlife carers are being urged to have their say on the future of South East Queensland’s koalas, with public consultation now open on a new regional conservation strategy.
The State Government has launched consultation on the next South East Queensland (SEQ) Koala Strategy, aimed at protecting and restoring koala habitat, tackling disease, improving monitoring and mapping, and strengthening partnerships with local communities.
The strategy is expected to have direct implications for koala populations across the Noosa region, where habitat loss, vehicle strikes and disease continue to place pressure on the iconic species. Local wildlife carers, volunteers and conservation groups are encouraged to contribute their on-ground knowledge to help shape the plan.
As part of the initiative, the Government has established a new Koala Ministerial Advisory Council (KMAC), chaired by Environment Minister Andrew Powell.
The council will bring together representatives from science, conservation, industry, local government and landholders to oversee the development and rollout of the strategy. Its first meeting is scheduled for early 2026.
In a further boost for koala conservation, the Government has committed $950,000 to secure the future of the Coomera/Pimpama Koala Population Stewardship Partnership, ensuring Endeavour Veterinary Ecology can continue vital work such as chlamydia treatment, health monitoring and post-release tracking of rehabilitated koalas.
Environment Minister Andrew Powell said the new strategy marked a renewed focus on practical conservation outcomes.
“Koalas are part of who we are as Queenslanders, and we’re determined to protect them for generations to come,” Minister Powell said.
“We’re focused on real action – restoring habitat, tackling disease, and giving communities the tools to make a difference for local koala populations.”
He said the Government had already committed $80 million to expanding protected areas and wildlife hospitals across Queensland.
Endeavour Veterinary Ecology CEO Michael Hornby OAM said the continued funding would deliver long-term benefits for koala conservation.
“It provides exceptional opportunities for ongoing disease management, koala health monitoring and habitat protection,” Mr Hornby said.
“These insights will be valuable not only in South East Queensland, but nationally.”
For Noosa wildlife carers, who regularly respond to injured and sick koalas, the strategy represents an opportunity to ensure local experiences and challenges are reflected in state policy.
Public consultation on the SEQ Koala Strategy is open until 15 March 2026. Residents can lodge a submission or complete the survey via the Queensland Government website at: www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/animals/living-with/koalas/seq-discussion-paper
