Sunshine Coast Council, Media Release, 16 August 2023

This little ted was out and looking for love when a local resident snapped it crossing the road.

Sunshine Coast Council’s Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Maria Suarez thanked the photographer for reporting the koala sighting at Palmview Forest through the Queensland Government’s QWildlife app and is calling on others to do the same.

“There are some amazing images of Sunshine Coast koalas being uploaded to QWildlife,” Cr Suarez said.

“This one was snapped at Palmview Forest next to a fauna crossing – clearly this little ted can read and I’d love other residents to share their sightings too.

“Just in the last month we have seen three koala sightings in Buderim and a number of koalas reported between Mapleton and Montville.

“When koala sightings are reported by using the app, Council is able to access the data and it helps to build our knowledge about Sunshine Coast koala populations – which is one of the goals of our Sunshine Coast Koala Conservation Plan.

“It’s simple and easy to do, and you don’t always need a photo – you can report koalas even if you only hear their distinctive bellow.

“The app helps you to identify if the koala is healthy, sick or injured and connects you with wildlife carers who can help.”

Report koala sightings

If you see a wild koala, report it using the free QWildlife app for iOS and Android.

• Android – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gov.qld.dnrme.QWildlife
• iOS – https://apps.apple.com/au/app/qwildlife/id1500668021

If you find sick or injured wildlife, call 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625).

Koala breeding season

Councillor Suarez encouraged people to keep an eye out for koalas to help keep them safe this breeding season.

“Koala breeding season runs from August to February, and this is when koalas are most active, often crossing roads and coming into people’s backyards,” Cr Suarez said.

“It is also when koalas can get themselves into trouble.

“Council is part of an Australia-wide effort to protect koalas and we encourage our community to join us to protect these iconic Australian animals.”

Ways you can help when koalas are on the move and breeding

• Drive carefully and look out for koalas crossing roads from dawn until dusk.
• Contain your dog at all times (day and night) and provide them with wildlife avoidance skills to protect koalas. Sign-up for a free wildlife avoidance community workshop at DogFest Sunshine Coast (Oct 21). Registrations opening soon.
• Contact your nearest wildlife rescue or 1300 ANIMAL for QLD if you come across a sick or injured koala.
• Consider koala-friendly fencing options. If you have a fence that may prevent koalas from accessing safe habitat, consider adding a simple escape route such as a timber post positioned at an angle to the fence. This allows koalas to climb over the fence and escape danger.
• Make your pool koala-safe by ensuring you have safe escape options such as a rope in the pool.

Search ‘koalas’ on Council’s website for more tips on how you can help or visit https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/environment/native-animals/koala-conservation.