Feedback sought from Queenslanders on how to strengthen koala protections

Queenslanders are being asked by the State Government to give feedback on ways to strengthen the south east Queensland koala protections.

Introduced in February 2020, amendments to planning regulations increased existing protections for koala habitat in the south east corner where koalas are particularly vulnerable. 

More than 714,040 hectares are now mapped as koala habitat – that includes more than 332,278 hectares classified as koala priority areas, where development is prohibited.

Three years on from its introduction, a post-implementation review of the regulations will seek feedback on how to improve on areas like unintended clearing of koala habitat areas, monitoring, and some experiences with complexity, costs and limited certainty from industry.

Feedback received will contribute to the development of final recommendations published in a Decision Post Implementation Review report.

It builds on other initiatives to protect koalas across Queensland including $24.6 million locked in during last year’s budget, as well as the 2020-2025 south east Queensland Koala Strategy.

More information on how to comment on the review and the proposed improvements to SEQ’s koala habitat regulations is available here 

Submissions close at 5pm on 5th June 2023.