Koalas Front and Centre: Queenslanders Invited to Shape New SEQ Strategy as Government Boosts Funding to Save Coomera/Pimpama Population
Queenslanders are being urged to help shape a new long-term plan to protect one of the state’s most beloved native animals, with the Crisafulli Government opening public consultation on the next South East Queensland Koala Strategy and committing fresh funding to frontline conservation work.
Fresh strategy for SEQ koalas
The new SEQ Koala Strategy aims to secure the future of koalas in one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions by focusing on habitat protection and restoration, disease management, better monitoring and mapping, and stronger partnerships with local communities. Queenslanders can now have their say on the draft directions, with public consultation open until 15 March 2026 via an online discussion paper and survey.
Koala council to drive action
A new Koala Ministerial Advisory Council (KMAC) has been established to keep koala conservation “front and centre” of government decision-making. Chaired by Environment Minister Andrew Powell, the council will bring together experts from industry, science, local government, property and conservation groups to advise on the strategy and oversee its rollout from early 2026.
Funding lifeline for Coomera/Pimpama koalas
As part of its plan, the government has committed $950,000 to save the Coomera/Pimpama Koala Population Stewardship Partnership, plugging a funding gap and allowing Endeavour Veterinary Ecology to continue life-saving work. The funding will support critical programs such as chlamydia treatment, health monitoring, and tracking of rehabilitated and released koalas in a key habitat corridor under pressure from urban growth.
“Part of who we are”
Environment Minister Andrew Powell said the strategy was central to protecting Queensland’s identity as well as its biodiversity. “Koalas are part of who we are as Queenslanders, and we’re determined to protect them for generations to come,” he said, pointing to an existing $80 million commitment to expand protected areas and wildlife hospitals as a foundation for the new plan.
Koala Haven’s national significance
Endeavour Veterinary Ecology CEO Michael Hornby OAM described the Koala Haven project within the Coomera/Pimpama partnership as a “conservation milestone” for South East Queensland. He said the hub would deliver ongoing disease management, health monitoring and habitat protection, with lessons expected to benefit koala conservation efforts across Queensland and nationally by connecting multiple habitats into a broader, sustainable network.
How Queenslanders can get involved
Residents are encouraged to contribute local knowledge and ideas by completing the online survey or making a submission on the SEQ Koala Strategy discussion paper by 15 March 2026. Consultation materials and the survey link are available at the Queensland Government
website: qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/animals/living-with/koalas/seq-discussion-paper.
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