GCGD_Noosa Landcare_Booklet2025.pdf

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• Bernard Jean

• Ruth Huckstepp

• Tammy Altmayer

• Wildcare Australia

Katrina Koutsellis

• Noosa Landcare

• Queensland University of Technology

• University of Sunshine Coast

Koalas: Our Aussie icon

Some koala facts

A journey through time in the Noosa Shire

Decades of change

Koala breeding season

How can we help koalas?

Koalas on farms

Signs a koala needs to be rescued

Distribution of koalas in Noosa

How do we know they are here?

Identifying koalas in your area

How to report a koala sighting

What happens when a sick koala is detected by Wildwatch Noosa verifiers?

How to manage koala habitat on your property

Noosa Koala Connect – habitat restoration program

Koalas: Our Aussie icon

Koalas are an internationally recognised Australian marsupial who have captivated the world with their cuteness Once occupying vast parts of Eastern Australia, sadly koalas today are listed as endangered to extinction in Queensland, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory They need our help to survive

Habitat and diet:

Koalas are folivores, feeding on a diet that is nearly entirely made up of leaves from the Eucalyptus genus, although they will occasionally eat non-Eucalypt species such as Brush Box (Lophostemon confertus), Allocasuarina sp and Melaleuca sp They depend on a variety of different species to maintain their health including a number of non-eucalypt species for shelter

Soil type and seasons have a major impact on whether leaf in a certain area is palatable So whilst they may favour a species of eucalypt from one area, they may not eat it if it comes from a different area There are also some species of eucalypt that koalas favour only in a specific season

In the Noosa region, we are fortunate to have a wide variety of eucalypt dominated ecosystems that support koala populations This includes Blue Gums (Eucalyptus tereticornis) on the coastal and lower Noosa River fringes, right up to the Spotted Gums (Eucalyptus citriodora) on our highest elevated lands in the west of the shire

Some koala facts

Average weight:

On average in the Noosa region, these cute fluffballs weigh around 65kg With males reaching up to 9 kgs

Lifespan:

In the wild, koalas can live for an impressive 12-13 years. They are aged by the wear pattern on their teeth

Reproduction & development:

The koala breeding season in Southeast Queensland extends from around June through to December with most young born over the summer months Usually a single joey (twins are rare) is born after a 34 to 36-day gestation The jelly-bean sized joey makes its way through its mother’s fur from the birth canal to the pouch, where it immediately attaches itself to one of the mother’s two teats The joey will remain in the pouch, drinking its mother’s milk from that same teat, until it is approximately 55 to 6 months of age The joey will fully emerge from the pouch at around 6 to 65 months of age to cling to its mother’s stomach during rest Once the joey reaches 8 to 85 months of age it will be too big to fit in the pouch and will become what is termed a ‘back young ’ until it is around 12 months of age Complete independence from the mother occurs between 12 to 18 months of age

Between 18 months to 2 years of age, juveniles generally move away from their maternal home range to establish their own territory Females will often choose to set up a home range that will overlap their mother’s or will settle not too far away.

Communication:

Koalas have distinctive calls that are more noticeable during breeding season Males have a low-pitched bellow but when threatened can also make loud screams and squeaks Females produce various loud sounds, such as screams, squeaks, and short bellows.

Territories:

Koalas are territorial and have complex overlapping ranges of alpha males and females and sub-dominant animals The size of a koala’s home range is highly variable and depends upon factors such as the koala’s age and sex, forest type, soil quality, reproductive status, area available, and the presence of other koalas. Scent marking is how koalas mark the trees in their territory Males have a large scent gland on their chest that they rub on trees to mark their territory During breeding season, dispersal aged koalas are pushed from their maternal home range into new locations, often travelling many kilometres to find a new location They are highly vulnerable during this dispersal as they can encounter many dangers such as roads, predators and urban areas Koalas tend to be faithful to their home range and will attempt to return if moved elsewhere (relocated) The relocation of mature individuals that are healthy and who are coping well within their home range is discouraged and there are laws in place to prevent this practice

Sleep:

Koalas are well known for their ability to sleep up to 20hrs per day due to their low energy diet of leaf

Hearing:

Koalas have excellent hearing, which facilitates communication with other koalas over long distances.

Camouflage technique:

Their speckled rear aids in camouflage amongst the trees

Despite their size, they can be very difficult to see from the ground or by spotlighting Even skilled koala spotters can only usually see a koala known to be in a tree around 40% of the time.

Sense of smell:

Their heightened sense of smell helps detect leaf for eating Koalas can determine the palatability and toxin levels of a leaf by its smell.

Protective coat:

They have a thick, woolly coat that is equipped to protect them from rain and extreme temperatures

The dorsal (back) fur of the koala is the most insulated of any marsupial found to date, and in the past, was heavily sought after for the fur industry In cold weather, koalas will curl into a ball with the dorsal fur providing effective insulation from the cold and rain.

A journeythrough time in the Noosa Shire

A glimpse into the past:

Between the 1890s and 1950s, the Noosa hinterland witnessed significant forest clearing for timber and agriculture

Extensive clearing for exotic and native tree plantations occurred from the 1950s to the 1980s

The 1980s and 1990s brought substantial habitat loss due to residential development, particularly on the coast

The land underwent transformations that would impact its ecosystems and native inhabitants for many decades to come

Koalas have a mid-opening, slightly backwards facing pouch, a distinctive feature they share with their closest relatives, the wombat

Each koala has a distinctive nose pattern, making it possible to identify them individually from a distance

Koalas have unique fingerprints just like humans

Male koalas sport larger, more pronounced 'Roman' noses, while females have smaller, daintier noses

Koala ear tags are a clue to their rescue history! If a koala has been rescued in the past, you might spot a tag in one of their ears. Females are tagged in their right ear, while males are tagged on their left.

Undated photograph of and clearance by clear fel ing and ringbark ng near Pomona Land clearance was general y carried

Koalas and the pelt industry

Pelt industry peak (1903- 1927): 4.5 million koala pelts were “officially” traded in Queensland (including within the Noosa area), with koalas hunted using cyanide, snares, and shooting Before this period, pelts were traded with no regulation or record keeping US import ban (1927): Herbert Hoover, the USA’s secretary for commerce, prohibited koala skin imports into the USA Legislation protection: The Queensland Fauna Protect Act 1937 protected koalas from hunting due to community opposition and very low population estimates across their range

Relocation efforts: Populations were considered so low that in the 1960s, six koalas were relocated into Noosa National Park from the Caboolture region to boost the population

Relocation programs occurred at the same time across many parts of the nation

Decades of change

Key achievements over the last decade

Strategic koala habitat planning: Comprehensive planning at local and state levels to protect and enhance koala habitats This includes the establishment of Noosa’s Koala Conservation Plan in 2016 and an update in 2025.

Environmental land acquisitions: Significant land parcels purchased through Noosa Council’s Environment Levy and National Park expansion initiatives to secure vital habitat

Private land conservation: Hundreds of private landholders conserving vegetation on their properties.

Collaborative restoration projects: Several private landholders, in partnership with conservation agencies, undertaking extensive koala habitat restoration projects on their properties

Yurol and Ringtail State Forest Koala Habitat Project: A monumental initiative involving the extinguishment of forestry activities, restoration and conversion to National Park of 2400ha of critical wildlife corridor area The project was initiated by Noosa Parks Association with the strong foundational support of Noosa Council, Queensland Government, and HQ Plantations

Veterinary breakthroughs: Advancement of the koala chlamydia vaccine and significant advancements in disease and injury treatment options.

Enhanced surveying techniques:

Advancements in surveying techniques allowing greater understanding of koala habitat distribution and density.

Noosa Council Koala Conservation Plan

Scan the QR code to explore the current Noosa Council Koala Conservation Plan

Koala pelt trade - John Oxley Library Br sbane
Fur trade - Mitchell State Library NSW
Koala reintroductions Noosa National Park 1960's

A beacon of hope

Good news: Our koala population is now recovering in the Noosa region with densities estimated to be approximately 02 koalas per hectare in good habitat

Restoration of forests and native regeneration: Large scale efforts are reconnecting corridors and providing vital food and habitat resources for our koalas

Current concern: Genetic diversity does however remain compromised due to previous low population numbers caused by historical hunting and habitat fragmentation Reinstating koala corridors to allow for genetic dispersal and improving the condition of recovering bushland is critical to support our recovering koala population

Noosa koala corridors-Vegetation

The good news echoes through the trees - our forests are making a comeback due to the positive strides we are taking towards restoring our precious landscapes and the resilience of nature The map below shows our current Koala Habitat areas, which includes both remnant and regrowth areas

Traveston
Federal
Ridgewood
Woondum National Park
Wilsons Pocket
Belli Park
Pomona
Kin Kin
Cooroy
Eumundi
Ringtail State Forest
Yurol State Forest Cooroibah
Doonan
Lake Cootharaba Boreen Point
Peregian Springs
Coolum Beach
Tewantin Noosa Heads
Noosa National Park

Koala breeding season

A time for love and movement

Occurs typically between June and December, marking the breeding season for koalas.

Koalas are on the move looking for mates, engaging in mating activities and displaying territorial behaviour

Juveniles reaching sexual maturity venture out during this period, seeking their own territories

Risks during the season

Increased movement raises the risk of koalas being hit by cars or finding themselves in dangerous locations

Vulnerability to dog attacks is heightened during their search for mates and new territory

Chlamydia transmission increases during mating encounters

How can we help koalas?

By addressing these threats and implementing proactive solutions, we can contribute to the well-being and conservation of our local koalas

1. Habitat retention and enhancement

Threat: Loss of habitat, lack of connectivity and a decline in habitat condition.

Solution: Protecting existing koala habitat from clearing, improving the condition of existing koala habitat through weed and fire management and strategic planting of koala trees to recreate their habitat and establish connection corridors between forests to allow for safe movement

2. Dogs and domestic livestock management

Threat: Interactions with dogs and domestic livestock

Solutions:

Ensure dogs are kept indoors at night in particular in known koala habitat, and implementing dog owner and dog behaviour training and education programs to minimise conflicts between koalas and domestic dogs

Domestic livestock, both horses and cattle, have been known to attack and stomp on koalas in paddocks This occurrence is more common when horses have foals, or cattle have young calves to protect If you observe your livestock interacting aggressively towards koalas, please report this incident immediately to the Wildlife Rescue contacts listed in the contacts section at the rear of this booklet

We're on the move, please drive with care

3. Vehicle strike

Threat: Collisions with vehicles Solutions:

Drive with caution and be “koala aware ” , especially during the breeding season, to help prevent accidents. While koalas can attempt to cross roads at any time night or day, it is more common at dusk and during the evening.

Pay particular attention and reduce speed where signs advise of koalas or other animals crossing, as these are known vehicle strike locations

KOALAS ON THE MOVE

Koalas in Noosa face significant threats from vehicle strikes, particularly during the breeding season from June to December. During this period, koalas are more mobile as they search for mates, and young koalas disperse from their mothers This increased movement heightens the risk of accidents on roads that intersect key wildlife corridors

In response to this issue, the 'Koalas on the Move' campaign was launched in 2022. This collaborative initiative involves Noosa Council, the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation, the Department of Transport and Main Roads, Wildcare Australia, and Queensland Koala Crusaders The campaign includes the deployment of electronic variable message signs (VMS) on high-risk roads to alert drivers to koala activity, especially during dawn and dusk when koalas are most active Additionally, community education programs aim to raise awareness about koala movements and the importance of reducing vehicle speeds in identified hotspots

4. Disease

Threat: Chlamydia visual symptoms include a wet and/or stained rump and/or crusty, red or weepy eyes. Chlamydia is spread during mating and also from mum to joey during rearing

Solution: Chlamydia is fatal if left untreated in koalas in our region Early assessment and treatment of chlamydia has a much higher chance of successful rehabilitation and release than more advanced disease cases Report all diseased koala sightings immediately to the Wildlife Rescue contacts listed at the rear of this booklet Koala health assessment is usually undertaken using zoom photography, so if you have the ability to take close up shots of the eyes/face and backsides of any koalas sighted, please send it to a wildlife koala health assessor (Refer to the rear of this booklet for contacts)

Koalas on farms

Balancing Agriculture and Koala Habitat

Much of our good quality agricultural land is found on floodplains with higher fertility and higher soil moisture Before historical clearing occurred in our region, these same floodplains were some of the highest quality eucalypt forests and best koala habitat in the landscape

Koalas will travel large distances to feed on the leaf of nitrogen rich paddock Eucalypts on farmlands

In doing so, encountering livestock, domestic dogs, fences and water impoundments

Trees on farms provide a multitude of benefits including shade for livestock, soil stabilization and water quality improvements

Opportunities exist to enhance both agricultural sustainability and koala habitat values by retaining paddock trees and also revegetating gullies, waterway zones (riparian areas) and steep slopes Incorporating koala food trees into revegetation species lists and replacement paddock tree programs can support the creation of local koala corridors.

Various assistance programs exist for agricultural producers to enhance the sustainability and habitat values of their farms

Wet or stained rumps
Crusty, red or weepy eyes
Wet or stained rumps
Crusty, red or weepy eyes

Signs a koala needs to be rescued

Monitoring these signs and reporting them promptly ensures quick intervention, potentially leading to the koala’s full recovery.

1. Sitting on the ground

Koala is foundsitting on the ground for an extended period

Signs of a healthy koala:

Sitting on the ground is brief and they should move away when approached, as koalas are most vulnerable in this position. They typically only stay on the ground momentarily when moving between trees

Signs of an unhealthy koala:

Sleeping on ground or sitting at the base of a tree for an extended period and not moving away when approached

2. Sitting in the same tree

Koala is foundinthe sametreeformore than 48 hours

Signs of a healthy koala:

Bright, alert and responsive to disturbance with erect ears Wellnourished and slightly pot-bellied Clean mouth and nose with pink colouration Moving from one tree to another every one to two days

Signs of an unhealthy koala:

Sitting in the same tree for more than two days, unresponsive, and not making an attempt to move away when disturbed Skinny or with rough and possibly brownish fur appearance, Mouth and nose may have discharge, drooling, or abrasions.

3. Movement difficulty

Koala is showingdifficultyclimbing or moving

Signs of a healthy movement: Signs of an unhealthy movement:

Ground movement: Koalas on the ground should move confidently between trees, walking or running with purpose. They have a slightly “rolling” gait - their front legs stride out long and fast, while their back legs seem to lift higher than necessary. Being most vulnerable on the ground, koalas stay alert and deliberate in their actions

Tree climbing: Healthy koalas climb trees with ease and confidence, displaying strength and agility as they navigate branches

Ground movement: Koalas may appear limping, circling or falling to one side, and may be unresponsive to disturbances Tree climbing: Difficulty climbing trees or a lack of confidence in their movements could signal weakness, injury or health issues.

4. Wet and/or dirty bottom

Indicates cystitis,apainful bladder infection caused by a chlamydia infection Untreated, it can lead to kidney damage and death Early treatment can facilitate full recovery.

Signs of a healthy koala:

A clean white spotty rump and a thick grey coat.

Signs of an unhealthy koala: Wet and or Brown or rusty staining on the rump.

5. Crusty and infected eyes

Indicates conjunctivitis from chlamydia, causing swollen, inflamed, weepy or crusty eyes If untreated, it can result in blindness and condition decline Early treatment can facilitate full recovery

Signs of a healthy koala:

Bright, clear eyes that are free from swelling or discharge. No fur loss around the eyes.

Signs of an unhealthy koala:

Weepy, swollen, red and/or crusty yellow eye surrounds, indicating potential infection or illness.

Distribution of koalas in Noosa

Koala distribution in Noosa

TheNoosaregion has koala populations across most of the areas where eucalypt forest exist Up-to-date mapping can be viewed on the public Wildwatch Noosa dashboard. Link to Wildwatch dash board for live map and QR code (refer to page 29 to contribute a record).

Traveston Federal
Ridgewood
Woondum National Park
Wilsons Pocket
Belli Park
Pomona
Kin Kin
Cooroy Eumundi
Ringtail State Forest
Yurol State Forest Cooroibah
Doonan
Lake Cootharaba
Boreen Point
Peregian Springs
Coolum Beach
Tewantin Noosa Heads
Noosa National Park

How do we know they're here?

Citizen science sightings

Koala sightings reported by the community through various channels, including social media, Council, RSPCA, iNaturalist, and Wildwatch Noosa

Koala rescue group records

Specialised groups actively engaging in rescuing and responding to reported koala sightings

Various methods contribute to actively monitoring the presence of koalas in the region.

Drone surveys

Using specialised thermal drone technology to conduct surveys, offers a comprehensive and efficient means of detecting koala presence in specific areas

Detection dogs

Employing specially trained koala detection dogs to detect koala presence through identification of their scat

Use your senses Identifying koalas in your area

Look:

Look up into the eucalyptus trees, down for scat, and forward for claw marks on the trunks

Listen:

Listen for their distinctive bellows, grunts, and calls The Wildwatch Noosa Dashboard has links to audio recordings for reference.

Smell:

Detect their strong eucalyptus scent

How to report a koala sighting

Help us protect Noosa’s koalas by recording any sightings through the Wildwatch Noosa dashboard – your contribution makes a difference!

You can access dashboards to view existing koala sightings and other iconic species in the Noosa area Features include viewing all koala observations, including profiles, diseases, threats, and area descriptions using interactive maps

How to download the Wildwatch Noosa app

You can submit koala observations via a desktop or smart device Access is available through the Wildwatch Noosa dashboard (URL link) or QR code on this page Using a smart device is an easier option as it captures GPS locations automatically The app also works offline, allowing you to save observations and complete them later.

Filling out the survey form using the field app

The Wildwatch Noosa survey is quick, user-friendly, and designed to streamline your obser vations:

How to get started

1.Download the app:

Install the ArcGIS Survey123 app using the QR code (allow all permissions) This is a one-time setup

2.Load the survey:

Scan the QR code again to download the “Wildwatch Noosa” survey The survey will stay on your device for future use

3.Open the survey:

Select “Continue without signing in”

4.Submit your observation:

Fill out the form, then:

Smart features: Questions adapt based on your answers, hiding irrelevant sections For example: Feral species submissions skip health or site details. For sick or injured koalas, symptom-related questions appear along with a rescue group contact number (call immediately if needed).

Mandatory fields: Only questions marked with a red * are required, but adding more details is encouraged to enhance data quality

If online, click the tick and choose “Send now ” If offline, save it in your “Outbox” to send later when back in range

Scan the QR code

Scan to access the field App. It is recommended you use the field App if using a smart device

What happens when a sick koala is detected by Wildwatch Noosa verifiers?

For all other situations:

NOTE - If the matter is urgent, the symptoms are obvious and the koala needs assistance, please contact a koala rescue group immediately.

(Contact details are at the rear of this booklet) This ensures that injured or sick koalas receive timely and appropriate care, to ensure their well-being

1. Report submission

When a koala is reported, the information is received by Wildwatch Noosa.

2. Submission is verified

Entry is verified by an expert reviewer. If photos were submitted with the entry, a desktop health assessment is undertaken The record submitter may be contacted, and a rescue intervention of the koala may be instigated if the koala shows signs of illness.

3. Wildlife rescuer inter vention

A wildlife rescuer may be contacted to conduct a visual health check on the reported koala using binoculars and zoom camera

4. Medical treatment if unwell

If the koala is found to be unwell, it is transported to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for veterinary treatment

5. Recovery and rehabilitation

The koala undergoes necessary veterinary care at the hospital

6. Release back to area

Once the koala has fully recovered and is deemed healthy, it is released back to its natural habitat in the same area where safe.

How to manage koala habitat on your property

1. Manage invasive weeds

Weeds can reduce the health of koala habitat, retard natural eucalypt recruitment and restrict koala movement through bushland

Common weeds in the Noosa Region that cause significant impact to Koala habitat include but are not limited to:

Cat's claw creeper vine (Dolichandra unguis-cati) & Madeira vine (Anredera cordifolia) – are serious transformer vine weeds that have a habit of smothering even mature Eucalypt trees if left unchecked Noosa Landcare’s Cats Claw Creeper Crusade Program can provide assistance - https://noosalandcare.org/ programs/cats-claw-creeper-crusade/ Lantana (Lantana camara) – is an understory shrub that grows in thickets and can restrict movement for koalas and increase fire intensity in bushland Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus var. maximus) – a tall and thick grass that provides an impenetrable wall for movement in large infestations and can increase fire intensity in bushland South African pigeon grass (Setaria sphacelata) – a common exotic pasture grass with a thick and tall growth habit that can restrict koala movement across landscapes and retard eucalypt recruitment.

A useful resource to learn more about weeds can be found at the following web tool - Weed Identification – Brisbane City Council Alternately, get in contact with Noosa Landcare for further assistance

2. Manage fire risk

Whilekoalas have survived living in fire-adapted eucalypt habitats for many thousands of years, new fire practices and changing climate over the last century has changed fire intensity and bushland structure, making it more difficult for the species to survive these intense fires For further information and useful resources, visit the South East Queensland Fire & Biodiversity Consortium https:// wwwfireandbiodiversityorgau/

3. Revegetation

Revegetation tocreate corridors and habitat stepping-stones Undertaking restoration works to improve the structure and diversity of plant species in an area can greatly improve the attractiveness of a site as habitat and also the ability of a site to be a corridor for many species, not just koalas

Undertaking revegetation projects

1.Seek advice

Obtaining local knowledge to help plan your project is a great idea Advice is available by contacting the Noosa Koala Connect Project Officer at Noosa Landcare If you are registered with Land for Wildlife or are part of the Voluntary Conservation Agreements Program with Noosa Council you can contact Noosa Council’s conservation partnerships team for advice also(Contact details at rear of booklet)

2. Resources

Self funded or funding assistance options exist Depending on your circumstance and the size of your project, funding assistance may be available through either Noosa Landcare (via grant funding) or Noosa Council’s Conservation Partnerships Program (via free trees or assistance with bushland maintenance)

3. Planning

Your available time, budget, the scale of your project, the location you wish it to occur and the existing vegetation at the site are all considerations that will help determine the restoration methodology that you use. In our area of South East Queensland, typically two main techniques are used to revegetate an area, these include:

Assisted natural regeneration

Direct planting of seedlings

For those interested in learning in detail about restoration planning and techniques, The South-East Queensland Ecological Restoration Framework Manual provides an excellent overview of best practice approaches.

Revegetation projects require site preparation, appropriate species selection for the soil type, watering and maintenance Get in touch with Noosa Landcare’s Noosa Koala Connect Project Officer for assistance.

South-East Queensland Ecological Restoration Framework

- Scan the QR or go to https://noosalandcareorg/wp-content/uploads/ SEQ Ecological Restoration Framework Manual web.pdf

Noosa Koala Connect Habitat Restoration Program

Project overview

Project requirements and considerations

Restoration activities must occur in areas identified as koala habitat and within a koala corridor as mapped (see maps on page 11 and page 23)

Restoration activities may include (funding origin dependent) –Revegetation works, improvements to existing koala habitat through the treatment of certain weeds; fire management activities that protect koala habitat, and fencing removal works to facilitate movement

At least 30% of the total species planted must consist of koalapreferred tree species

Restoration monitoring is required to track success.

Projects that include the establishment of protection mechanisms such as a Voluntary Conservation Agreement (VCA) or Voluntary Declaration (VDec) under the Vegetation Management Act 1999 will be favourably viewed

“Plant it and they will come”

Noosa & District Landcare Group in partnership with Peppers Noosa Resort & Spa and Noosa Council, are working to enhance koala habitat on private land by offering subsidised restoration assistance to eligible properties This initiative aims to create vital links between key koala habitats within the Noosa Shire, while also providing support to landowners to improve koala habitat connectivity

Project objectives

To provide support to landowners to improve koala habitat connectivity in Noosa

To encourage community participation in creating and maintaining healthy environments for koalas

https://noosalandcareorg/programs/noosa-koala-connect/

Register your interest.

Scanto access the QR code or go to https://noosalandcareorg/programs/ noosa-koala-connect/ Proudly supported by:

The Noosa Koala Connect Program is proudly supported by Peppers Noosa Resort & Spa and Noosa Council

Importance of koala corridor connectivity

Koala corridors are essential for linking feeding habitats, allowing safe movement to meet nutritional needs, and support overall health These connections help koalas access vital resources like food, water, and shelter

Vegetated corridors also provide a safer option for young dispersal aged koalas to move into new areas and establish their own territories, thus improving the genetic diversity of the Noosa koala populations

Noosa koala corridors-Potential corridor network

In2025 through an expert and scientifically driven process, important priority corridors were assessed and mapped To follow are the priority koala corridors identified that will provide connection and support for our important protected koala habitat refugia locations

Corridors (truncated
Traveston Federal
Ridgewood
Woondum National Park
Wilsons Pocket
Belli Park
Pomona
Kin Kin
Cooroy
Eumundi
Ringtail State Forest
Yurol State Forest Cooroibah
Doonan
Lake Cootharaba Boreen Point
Peregian Springs
Coolum Beach
Tewantin Noosa Heads
Noosa National Park

Trees for koalas in the Noosa region

Koalas thrive on a diverse range of trees, both for browsing and feeding A koala tree can contribute to koala habitat within five years of planting, providing a sustainable environment for koalas The following tree species are essential for koala habitat in our area

Primary feed trees

EUCALYPTUS MICROCORYS

Tallowwood

EUCALYPTUS TERETICORNIS

Forest red gum and blue gum

EUCALYPTUS BANCROFTII

Bancrofts red gum

EUCALYPTUS ROBUSTA

Swamp mahogany

EUCALYPTUS PROPINQUA

Small-fruited grey gum

EUCALYPTUS RESINIFERA

Red stringybark

EUCALYPTUS PILULARIS

Blackbutt

Browsing trees

CORYMBIA CITRIODORA

Spotted gum

CORYMBIA INTERMEDIA

Pink bloodwood

CORYMBIA TESSELLARIS

Carbeen / Moreton Bay Ash

EUCALYPTUS CREBA

Narrow-leafed ironbark

EUCALYPTUS FIBROSA

Broad-leaved ironbark

EUCALYPTUS GRANDIS

Flooded gum

EUCALYPTUS RACEMOSA

Scribbly gum

EUCALYPTUS SIDEROPHOLIA

Qld grey ironbark

LOPHOSTEMON CONFERTUS

Brush box

LOPHOSTEMON SUAVEOLENS

Swamp box

MELALEUCA QUINQUENERVIA

Paperbark

Primary feed trees in Noosa Shire

ROUGH BARKED TREES

Species name / common name Landscape

Eucalyptus microcorys

Tallowwood

Occurs in valleys, lower hill slopes, and extending onto ridges Prefers fertile loams but can also grow in poor fertile sands if soil moisture is sufficient.

Eucalypus robusta

Swamp mahogany

Occurs in valley bottoms, and on flats with poor drainage. It can tolerate a broad range of soil types, from infertile sands to black dense clays, and loams of varying composition.

Eucalyptus resinifera

Red stringybark

Location mainly found in Noosa Shire

Tinbeerwah, Doonan, Pomona, West Cooroy, Cooran, Doonan, Lake Macdonald, Cootharaba, Ringtail Creek.

Sunshine Beach, Tewantin, Cooroibah, Tinbeerwah, Boreen Point, Cootharaba, North Shore

Occurs in lowland slopes, in valleys, and on sheltered flats Prefers sandy soils and can tolerate poor drainage

Leaves / flowers image Tree trunk image

Found all through the Noosa Shire excluding the North Shore and Teewah

SMOOTH BARKED TREES

Browsing / secondary feed trees in Noosa Shire

ROUGH BARKED TREES

Species

name / common name Landscape

Eucalyptus tereticornis Forest red gum and blue gum

Eucalypus bancroftii

Bancrofts red gum

Occurs mainly in valleys and flats Also extends onto ridges with heavy fertile soils and along the tidal sections of rivers.

Occurs on flats and low hills near the coast. Soils ranging from yellow sands to sticky yellow clays

Eucalyptus propinqua

Smallfruited grey gum

Occurs on slopes and ridges Soils vary from loams to heavy clays.

Location mainly found in Noosa Shire

Cooroibah, Boreen Point, Kin Kin, Pomona, Cooran, West Cooroy, Tinbeerwah, Peregian Peregian, Marcus Beach, isolated areas in Coooroibah and North Shore

HALF BARKED TREES

Eucalyptus pilularis Blackbutt

Cooran Tablelands, Cooran, Pomona, Tinbeerwah, Black Mountain, West Cooroy

Leaves / flowers image Tree trunk image

Occurs on slopes in hilly to mountainous coastal areas, typically on sandy loams, however, adaptable to various soil types It also grows in forests near wallum, where soils are poor.

Cooran Tablelands, Pomona, Tinbeerwah, Doonan, Noosaville, Tewantin, Ringtail Creek, West Cooroy

Species name / common name Landscape Location mainly found in Noosa Shire

Corymbia intermedia Occurs in wallum, tea -tree forests, hills and ranges on all soil types Found throughout the Noosa Shire

Eucalypus crebra

Narrowleaved Ironbark Pink Bloodwood

Occurrence is largely restricted to hilltops and upper slopes Soil types vary greatly

Eucalyptus fibrosa

Broadleaved Ironbark

Eucalyptus siderophloia Grey Ironbark

Cooran Tablelands, Black Mountain, Federal, from shallow rocky Tinbeerwah soils to moderately heavy clays.

Occurs in gravelly ridges and hilltops Federal, West Cooroy, Black Mountain

Occurs in a wide range of areas from valley bottoms to slopes and ridgetops Soil preference is fertile loams but can also grow quite well on poor stony ridges.

Lophostemon Occurs in swampy suaveolens Swamp box habitats Prefers moist/wet soil

Cooran Tablelands, Cooran, Pomona, Ringtail Creek, Tinbeerwah, West Cooroy.

Leaves / flowers image Tree trunk image

Found all through the Shire in swamp areas including, Noosa Heads, Peregian, Cooroy, Pomona

SMOOTH BARKED TREES

Species name / common name

Corymbia citriodora Spotted gum

Landscape Occurs in well drained sites on hillsides and ridges Soils are of moderately heavy texture

Eucalyptus grandis

Flooded gum

Occurs in flats and lower slopes of deep fertile valleys, often within rainforests Soils consist of moist, well drained deep loams of alluvial or volcanic origin Pure sands also common

Eucalyptus racemosa

Scribbly gum

Occurs in coastal lowlands, flats low hills and ridges occasionally on rocky mountain slopes The soils are mainly sandy and infertile

HALF BARKED TREES

Eucalyptus tessellaris

Location mainly found in Noosa Shire

West Cooroy, Pomona, Cooran, Kin Kin

Found throughout Noosa Shire except North Shore, Teewah, Cooroibah

Peregian, Noosa

Heads, Weyba, Tewantin, Doonan, Tinbeerwah, North Shore, Teewah.

Leaves / flowers image Tree trunk image

Carbeen / Moreton Bay Ash

Lophostemon confer tus

It is found commonly in the drier hinterland regions and along the coastal fringe It favours valleys and low slopes and can grow in all soil types

Peregian, Marcus Beach, Tewantin, Federal, Elanda Point, Teewah, North Shore

Brush box

Occurs in moist open forest, rainforest edges. It grows best in moist fertile, welldrained soils, but can tolerate less fertile soils

PAPER BARKED

TREES

Melaleuca quinquenervia Paperbark

Found throughout the Noosa Shire except North Shore and Teewah

Occurs in swamps, floodplains, and near rivers and estuaries. Grows in silty or swampy soils

Found throughout the Noosa Shire

Noosa & District Landcare Group

Visit our website for additional information

https://noosalandcareorg/programs/ noosa-koala-connect/ info@noosalandcare.org

Ph (07) 5485 2468

Become a member and receive discounts for plants and services, newsletters and attend free monthly Landcare Linkup Workshops

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Report koalas

Reportall koala sightings to Wildwatch Noosa and report sick, injured, or orphaned koalas immediately to the Noosa Region Koala Rescue Team (Wildcare Australia) on 07 5527 2444 or RSPCA’s Hotline on 1300 ANIMAL.

Noosa Council

Learn moreaboutNoosa Council’s koala initiatives including the Noosa Koala Plan here - https://wwwnoosaqldgovau/ Environment-and-Waste/Environment/ Trees-plants-and-animals/Koalas Noosa Council coordinates the Conservation Partnerships Program including the Land for Wildlife Program and the Voluntary Conservation Agreements Program To get involved contact Noosa Council's conservation partnerships officer at environment@ noosa.qld.gov.au or call (07) 5329 6500

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