Francis Road Koala Reserve Restoration Project Todds Road and Francis Road, Lawnton (2005/2006)
Moreton Bay Regional Council Community Assistance Scheme Grant (formerly known as Pine Rivers Council Community Assistance Scheme Grant) - $5,000
This project addressed maximising the value of existing bushland considered prime koala habitat. Over many months, members strategically removed Lantana particularly around the base of existing trees as it hindered koala access.
To assist natural regeneration, volunteers planted 200 koala food trees in a 4,000 sq metre area of severely degraded habitat on the western side of the bushland reserve. Initially the area was slashed prior to spraying exotic weeds and grasses.
KAI chose this method of tackling the problem of habitat loss and fragmentation because we believed more must be done to preserve remaining bushland in urban areas. Koalas are a “flagship species” so by retaining, replanting and enhancing koala habitat, KAI is also providing food and shelter for other wildlife utilising the same ecosystem.
Efforts were made to assist natural regeneration on the site by marking out germinating native seedlings as well as planting more koala food trees and other natives. Ongoing rehabilitation works increased the carrying capacity of the reserve for koalas and other native wildlife.
Further weed removal was conducted in an area of approximately 6 hectares including species such as Balloon Cotton Bush, Cobbler’s Pegs and Blue Billy Goat weed.
- Spotted Gum (Corymbia citriodora)
- Narrow-leaf Ironbark (Eucalyptus crebra)
- Grey Ironbark (Eucalyptus siderophloia)
- Rose Gum (Eucalyptus grandis)
- Tallow Wood (Eucalyptus microcorys)
- Gum-topped Box (Eucalyptus mollucana)
- Scribbly Gum (Eucalyptus racemosa)
- Swamp Mahogany (Eucalyptus robusta)
- Qld Blue Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis)
- Brush Box (Lophostemon confertus)
- Broad-leaved Paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia)
The grant included a watering regime of approximately three litres of water per plant on three separate occasions.
Our commitment extended to undertaking two years of maintenance on all sites which includes manual removal of weeds surrounding the plant and the use of a broad-spectrum systemic Glyphosate herbicide to remove weed and grass species that negatively impact on the growth of the plants.
To see other replanting and rehabilitation projects please follow this link.
KAI undertakes a range of koala based activities including educational, the raising and care of orphaned koala joeys, public awareness as well as environmental and medical research.
For further information, please follow this link.
