Koala conservation in South East Queensland: what are we doing to help koalas?
Issued: 23 Apr 7 mins read

Learn all about what’s happening to help protect South East Queensland’s iconic koala population.

From their fuzzy ears to distinctive mating calls, koalas are an iconic piece of Australia’s rich fauna family. In South East Queensland, we’re extremely lucky to have one of the greatest concentrations of koalas in the state – but this vital population is facing challenges to survive. With increasing urbanisation and environmental pressures, what practical steps are the government and community taking to secure their future?

We’re here to shine a light on the crucial koala conservation efforts happening all over South East Queensland, as well as give you some easy tips on how to get involved.

How are koalas protected in South East Queensland?

Getting South East Queensland’s koala population to a healthier level is a team effort – it takes work from government agencies, conservation organisations, and local communities. When it comes to an endangered species competing for space with a rapidly growing urban environment, it’s vital to have a smart, balanced, and realistic conservation plan in place.

This is where the South East Queensland Koala Conservation Strategy comes in – think of it as the Queensland Government's koala protection playbook. It sets out how we're working to safeguard koala habitat, reduce threats, and keep track of their numbers, ensuring their survival for the future.

Below, we break down some of the most important initiatives in the plan and show you how they look in action.

Habitat restoration for koalas in South East Queensland
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Join Ross Carpenter and Ryley Staunton on a day as a Wildlife Officer in the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation’s Koala Habitat and Partnership & Program team. Their work involves landscape level koala habitat…

Koala habitat restoration

One of the most effective ways to support koala populations is by restoring their natural habitat. In South East Queensland, large-scale revegetation projects are underway to plant koala-friendly trees and create wildlife corridors that link fragmented bushland.

Programs led by government bodies, conservation groups, and community volunteers are restoring thousands of hectares of koala habitat, ensuring they have access to food, shelter, and safe passage across the landscape. These efforts don’t just benefit our koala population – they also support biodiversity and improve broader ecosystem resilience.

Monitoring and research

Innovative technology is playing a crucial role in koala conservation. Thermal drones are now being used to detect and monitor koalas in dense bushland, making population tracking and habitat health assessments easier.

These drones use heat-sensing cameras to locate koalas high in the treetops, which helps provide more data in a shorter timeframe compared to traditional ground surveys. This information helps conservationists understand koala distribution, identify priority areas for protection, and evaluate the success of habitat restoration projects.

A fluffy, medium-sized koala with grey fur, round ears, and sharp black claws is clinging to a white wooden post at night

Pole position! Educating Queenslanders about koala-safe backyards is a key part of conservation.

Photo credit: QWildlife

Threat reduction

Koalas face several major threats in South East Queensland, but targeted conservation measures are helping to reduce these risks.

Vehicle strikes are a leading cause of koala injuries and fatalities, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas. To address this, wildlife-friendly road infrastructure like underpasses, overpasses, and fencing is being installed to help koalas cross roads safely. Warning signs and reduced speed limits in known koala hotspots also remind drivers to stay alert, especially during peak movement times in breeding season.

Dog attacks are another threat, particularly in suburban areas where koalas often move through backyards. Public education campaigns are raising awareness about responsible pet ownership, encouraging dog owners to keep their pets contained at night and provide koala-safe fencing solutions. Some councils and conservation groups also run training programs to teach dog owners how to reduce the risk of encounters between their pets and koalas.

Koala health is also a key focus, with disease – particularly chlamydia – posing a serious challenge to populations. Chlamydia can cause blindness, infertility, and even death if left untreated. To help combat this, researchers are trialling vaccines and improving treatment methods for affected koalas. Wildlife hospitals and vet programs provide critical care for sick koalas, with rehabilitation efforts aiming to return them to the wild once they recover.

How can I help koalas?

There are loads of ways you can help contribute to koala conservation, from small actions through to hands-on projects.

A close-up shot shows a small, grey koala nestled snugly in a bright lime-green towel, being held gently in someone's hands.

Internships and volunteering are a fantastic opportunity to get hands-on in the koala conservation space.

Photo credit: QWildlife

Reporting koala sightings

One of the simplest ways to help is by reporting koala sightings. Sightings provide valuable data that help governments, scientists, and conservation groups monitor koala populations and identify key habitats. You can log sightings through the QWildlife app or report them to local conservation organisations.

If you spot a sick, injured, or deceased koala, contact the 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) to ensure it gets the care it needs.

Community koala forums

Many councils and conservation groups run community koala forums where you can learn about local koala populations and conservation efforts. These forums shed light on habitat protection, recent research, and practical ways to make backyards and neighbourhoods more koala friendly. They also connect community members with experts and like-minded folks passionate about protecting koalas.

Internships and volunteering in koala conservation

Prefer a more hands-on approach to helping? The Queensland Government, wildlife organisations, research programs, and wildlife hospitals all offer internships and volunteer opportunities in the koala conservation space.

Volunteers help with habitat restoration, koala rescues, research, and public education programs. Whether planting trees, assisting in a wildlife hospital, or collecting data in the field, these experiences give you the chance to make a tangible difference while learning more about broader conservation efforts.

You can search the internet for opportunities local to you or check out placements at the DETSI Industry Placement program, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, or Queensland Koala Society.

A close-up shot of a grey koala with fuzzy ears and a black nose, sitting in a tree surrounded by green leaves.

Governments and communities working together can safeguard the future of koalas in South East Queensland.

Photo credit: QWildlife

Stay up to date with koala conservation updates

Keen to see the latest happenings in the South East Queensland koala conservation space? We’ve got a YouTube playlist on our Queensland Environment channel dedicated to showcasing real-world examples of the initiatives mentioned in this blog. The playlist is regularly updated to give folks more in-depth information and behind-the-scenes looks at what the Queensland Government is doing to help protect these incredible creatures.

Tangible change happens when governments collaborate with community – and this teamwork will help forge a brighter path forward for South East Queensland’s precious koala population.

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