Koala project takes root
A EUCALYPTUS plantation is planned for Horseshoe Bay to provide feed for koalas, particularly during drought when wildlife carers have struggled to obtain a food source.
A low- impact camping ground is also planned on the site at Pollard St for volunteers of the existing Magnetic Island Koala Hospital and tourists.
Operator of the hospital Dr Ali Bee has applied for development approval from Townsville City Council for the plantation and camp ground.
The application is now open for public comment.
The Bee family have been caring for koalas at their home in Horseshoe Bay for 16 years.
They established the koala hospital in 2014 after receiving funding from the State Government and have also received bequests and donations, including from mining company Glencore.
In the application, Dr Bee said they had rescued, rehabilitated and released more than 100 koalas back on to the island and that in the past year they had 42 in care, including up to 13 at one time.
“The last few years of drought have been disastrous for the terrestrial wildlife and we have struggled to feed the growing numbers in care the best quality daily fresh eucalyptus leaf,” Dr Bee said.
“Bungalow Bay and Billa- bong Sanctuary are very generous with their help – both monetary and ( providing) cut leaf for our koalas – but the quality and the quantity available has been dangerously low. Our plan for our nature refuge is to create a new eucalyptus tree plantation to help in these drier times for both the animals in care and the wild ones.”
Dr Bee said they proposed a low impact unpowered camp ground for volunteers for the koala refuge or for tourists, with paying guests and volunteers adding to the fundraising efforts for the ongoing costs for the koala refuge.
As well as the eucalyptus plantation, they plan soft release areas for rehabilitated koalas, up to 40 camp sites, composting toilets, barbecue, three demountable koala pens and, at some time in the future, a single dwelling that can be used for accommodation or as an educational centre.
The application is open for comment until June 8.