Environment Matters Spring/Summer 2019

National Threatened Species Day

September is host to a wide variety of fauna related recognition days including National Threatened Species Day (7th), raising awareness of plants and animals at risk of extinction.

they become stuck. Some of these koala-friendly fencing techniques can also be adapted if you have a swimming pool, not just for koalas but other wildlife as well. Report koala sightings – especially if they are sitting on the ground, have been stationed in the same tree for a few days or look unwell. Drive carefully – especially during koala ‘busy’ season and at night. Be on particular look out at the locations listed below: Cunningham Highway through Ebbw Vale, Purga, Willowbank and Mutdapilly Warrego Highway through Brassall and Pine Mountain Ipswich – Boonah Road Ipswich – Rosewood Road Rosewood – Laidley Road Karrabin – Rosewood Road. RURAL

One of those threatened species, close to our hearts and close to Ipswich, is the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) , an Aussie icon known all over the world. The koala breeding season takes place at this time of year (August to February), so if you come across a koala it may be looking for a new friend. This time of year is quite busy for koalas, as the Spring/Summer period is also when the young from the previous year leave their mother. This means that it is also the busiest time of year for koala carers, as koalas can cross paths with cars and dogs.

There are a number of things you can do to help these eucalypt- munching marsupials:

Responsible pet ownership – dog attacks account for almost half of koala mortalities. This can occur when dogs are allowed to wander bushland or if a koala enters a yard with dogs. Keeping dogs confined when koalas are most active (dusk and dawn) and keeping dogs on leads, can reduce attacks. Koala-friendly fencing – this can help a koala escape a yard if

URBAN

Centenary Highway through Springfield Redbank Plains Road through Goodna and Bellbird Park and Redbank Plains Alice Street, Goodna Formation Street, Carole Park Moffatt Street, Ipswich Kruger Parade, Redbank.

7