Sanctuary ‘pipedream’

WILDLIFE workers have warned of a Gold Coast koala extinction for more almost 20 years but authorities still haven’t worked out where to put a sanctuary for the threatened marsupials.

Yesterday the Bulletin revealed up to three koalas were being taken to wildlife hospitals every day as native populations plummet due to habitat clearing on the northern end of the Gold Coast.

In response both the Queensland Government and Gold Coast City Council said they were supportive of a “Borobi Sanctuary”, but had not come up with a suitable location.

Wildcare Australia president Karen Scott said she was disillusioned and felt the sanctuary was just a pipedream.

“I don’t believe it’s going to happen any time soon, this has been going on for years.”

Ms Scott said conservationists had been warning that kobe

alas could become extinct locally for almost 20 years.

“When I started as a wildlife carer 17 years ago the older guys were saying koalas would extinct in 20 years. Nothing’s changed,” she said.

Dreamworld Wildlife Foundation director Al Mucci said increased koala conservation efforts were well overdue.

“We should lobby council and government, I think this could be an election issue,” Mr Mucci said. “There are enough people who feel ownership over these animals to make it an election issue.”

Yesterday Environment Minister Stephen Miles said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to protecting koalas.

Dr Miles said he had given Gold Coast City Council access to information about koala habitats so they could determine where to create a sanctuary.

“We have offered to help them by giving them access to the Environment Department’s koala habitat mapping so they can find the best spot for it,” he said.

Council planning boss Cameron Caldwell said council aimed to expand koala habitat but needed funding from the State Government.

Cr Caldwell said council was still working out exactly where the sanctuary would be.

In response to the dithering, Shadow Environment Minister Christian Rowan said his party was committed to protecting koala habitat.

“A future LNP Government would continue to work with community groups and environment organisations to prioritise strategies for koala protection,” Dr Rowan said.