As young koalas begin their critical journeys away from their mothers, three new Koala Safe Neighbourhoods in Birkdale, Thornlands, and Mount Cotton are now operational, offering vital protection during this vulnerable period.
The expansion follows the proven success of the initial program in Ormiston, which launched in late 2018.
Protecting Young Koalas on the Move
Redland City Council is urging residents to be vigilant as the annual koala dispersal season commences this month. During this period, young koalas, typically around 18 months old and weighing between three to five kilograms, leave the safety of their mothers to seek new habitats. This dispersal often occurs from June to July, though it can extend into the breeding season, which runs from August to December.
Mayor Jos Mitchell highlighted that koalas are known to travel considerable distances and may appear in unexpected urban locations, including car parks and central business districts.
Council also noted that these young koalas frequently cross roads, making it crucial for all motorists to drive cautiously, especially at night and within signed koala zones. Dog attacks and vehicle strikes remain two of the most significant threats to koala populations.
Koala Safe Neighbourhoods Expand
The Koala Safe Neighbourhoods initiative is a collaborative effort between Redland City Council and local communities, designed to minimise dangers to urban koala populations and create environments where they can thrive. These neighbourhoods are an integral part of Council’s broader city-wide Koala Conservation Program 2022-2027.
When urban koalas travel through these areas, they utilise “stepping stone” trees – including both shade and food trees – found along streets, in backyards, and within parks and reserves. This travel makes them particularly vulnerable to threats such as vehicle accidents, dog attacks, habitat loss, and disease.
Ormiston was the first designated Koala Safe Neighbourhood in late 2018. Its success led to the recent addition of Birkdale, Thornlands, and Mount Cotton, which were selected based on specific criteria: the presence of an identified resident koala population, evidence of koala road accidents, and suitable habitat featuring interconnected parks, reserves, or wildlife corridors.
Community and Council Working Together
Each Koala Safe Neighbourhood features two to six ambassador koalas. These koalas are tagged, tracked, and monitored by research partners from the University of the Sunshine Coast Detection Dogs for Conservation, providing essential data that enhances understanding and protection efforts for all urban koalas across Redlands Coast.
The research team conducts checks every two weeks to monitor the health and movement patterns of these ambassador koalas. If health concerns arise, they collaborate closely with local rescue groups and animal welfare hospitals to ensure prompt treatment. The researchers employ best practice technology and high ethical standards for animal care, utilising highly-trained koala tracking dogs to locate new koalas for the program.
Council is also actively involved through various departments. The environmental partnerships team works with properties under koala conservation agreements within these neighbourhood catchments. The school education team offers koala conservation sessions, and the bushcare team organises community koala-friendly tree plantings.
Furthermore, the wildlife team provides local knowledge and supports rescue efforts, while the parks and conservation team focuses on habitat rehabilitation. The roads, drainage, and marine unit has assisted with smart sign trials designed to encourage drivers to be more vigilant, a measure that has proven effective in reducing koala road fatalities.
Residents living in or regularly travelling through these koala safe neighbourhoods can play a vital role. This includes slowing down when driving, particularly at dawn and dusk, and making backyards “koala safe” with poolside wildlife escape ramps or posts against fences.
Ensuring dogs are trained and secured inside at night, especially from June to December, is also crucial. Planting koala-friendly trees and sharing koala sightings with family, neighbours, or through Redlands Coast Koala Watch further aids conservation. Any sick or injured koala should be reported immediately to the Redlands 24-hour Wildlife Rescue Service on 07 3833 4031.
Published Date 17-Jun-2025
Photo Credit: Redland City Council
