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.
- 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
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.
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
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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
