Mill Koala Monitoring Program Turns New Leaf

The industry-leading koala monitoring program at The Mill at Moreton Bay has been extended.

Moreton Bay Regional Council Lifestyle and Amenity Spokesperson Councillor Denise Sims announced The Mill koala monitoring program would move into phase three, after the first two phases of the program saw more than 50 koalas tagged and monitored together with 15 joeys.

Specialist koala experts Endeavour Veterinary Ecology (EVE) will continue their work on-site with council for another two years and tag, track and provide health checks for the local koala population.

“Thanks to the efforts of EVE, local groups and council’s environment officers, 71 koalas and joeys are being monitored at The Mill and have received all-important check-ups and treatment,” Cr Sims said.

“This next phase will ensure local koalas will be well looked after while construction occurs so they can flourish in the 92-hectares of habitable reserve guaranteed to be delivered as part of The Mill project.

“Dr [Jon] Hanger and his team have worked closely with council and local authorities to tackle challenges like wild and domestic dogs, disease and weeds, not only on this project, but on a number of other game-changing initiatives including the construction of Redcliffe Peninsula Line.

“Together with our management plan for the site, which will see more than 46,500 koala trees planted, today’s announcement demonstrates council and our community’s commitment to the local koalas population.

“Through this program and the key actions of our koala management plan, council, EVE and local groups are working to make sure the 71 koalas will thrive for years to come.”

EVE’s Dr Jon Hanger said The Mill’s koala population had made huge strides since monitoring began.

“In fact, what we’re seeing is the koala population at The Mill site is healthier and reproducing at a greater rate than other urban koala populations in South-East Queensland,” Dr Hanger said.

“We’ve made great progress so far, and it’s important we don’t take our foot off the pedal.”

Learn more about Endeavour Veterinary Ecology here.