Amy Remeikis reports in the Brisbane Times (7.6.16) on the release of research showing the destructive impact of continued urban development upon koala habitats in southeast Queensland, amid moves by the state government to assess the status of the animal near areas of population growth.
‘Queensland could look to creating more state parks or setting aside large tracts of vegetation from development as it looks to save the dwindling south-east koala population.
‘A University of Queensland report found the state had all but lost the battle to save koalas using existing protection measures – which essentially worked on protecting small pockets of habitat within urban areas – with populations continuing to decline.
‘In announcing $12.1 million in funding over four years to help protect koalas – with the spending to be determined by an expert panel which will include Associate Professor Jonathan Rhodes who led the report detailing the failures – Environment Minister Steven Miles said it was time for a change in thinking.’
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