The State Government is delivering a plan for Queensland’s future by launching public consultation on a new conservation strategy to secure the future of South East Queensland’s koalas.
Queenslanders are invited to have their say on the next SEQ Koala Strategy, which focuses on protecting and restoring habitat, tackling disease, improving monitoring and mapping, and working with local communities.
As part of the commitment, a new Koala Ministerial Advisory Council (KMAC) will drive practical action to keep koala conservation front and centre.
Chaired by Environment Minister Andrew Powell, the council will advise on the Koala Strategy and its rollout.
By bringing together leading voices from industry, science, local government, property and conservation, the KMAC ensures decisions are informed, balanced, and focused on real outcomes for koalas.
The group will hold its first meeting in early 2026.
In addition, the State Government has stepped in to save the Coomera/Pimpama Koala Population Stewardship Partnership with $950,000 committed for Endeavour Veterinary Ecology to continue life-saving work, including chlamydia treatment and monitoring rehabilitated and released koalas.
This ensures koalas receive ongoing health support.
Minister for the Environment Andrew Powell said the new Koala Conservation Strategy was key to the protection and preservation of South East Queensland’s koalas.
“Koalas are part of who we are as Queenslanders, and we’re determined to protect them for generations to come,” Minister Powell said.
“Moving forward we are unashamedly focused on practical action – restoring habitat, tackling disease, and giving communities the tools to make a difference for koala populations.
“We’ve already committed $80 million to expand protected areas and wildlife hospitals, and this is the next step in delivering a better plan for Queensland’s environment.”
Endeavour Veterinary Ecology CEO Michael Hornby OAM said that he believes the Koala Haven project represents an important conservation milestone for the future of koalas in South East Queensland.
“It provides exceptional opportunities for ongoing disease management, koala health monitoring, and habitat protection – insights that will be valuable not only in Queensland, but nationally,” Mr Hornby said.
“Koala Haven is fundamentally about protecting and maintaining the long-term health of this population. It is a critical ecological connector, linking multiple koala habitats, with strong potential for future expansion to create a broader, interconnected network of healthy and sustainable koala populations.”
Public consultation open until 15th March 2026. To lodge a survey you can visit https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/animals/living-with/koalas/seq-discussion-paper
