Improved koala mapping leads to better outcomes for koala habitat
18 December 2018
Queensland Government:
The Palaszczuk Government is delivering on its
commitment to protect
koalas, with an extra 190,000 hectares of koala
habitat now added to essential habitat
mapping.
Minister for
Environment Leeanne Enoch said this new koala habitat mapping
follows recommendations from the Koala Expert Panel to better protect
koalas in
Queensland.
“The science tells us that the biggest threat to Queensland’s koala
population is the loss of habitat, and that is why we are taking
action,” Ms Enoch said.
“This new mapping incorporates the best available data and uses improved
modelling techniques to help us identify and protect important koala
habitat.
“The release of this mapping builds on the vital work the Palaszczuk
Government has done to protect essential habitat through the passage of
our strong land clearing laws.
“It is a further demonstration of the Government’s commitment to deliver
on each of the Expert Panel’s recommendations, including appointing a
new Koala Advisory Council which I announced earlier this month to
oversee a new Koala Conservation Strategy.”
The extra koala habitat has been added to the Essential Habitat tool
under the Vegetation Management mapping.
Ms Enoch said the update on the mapping was an important first step in
implementing the recommendations of the Koala Expert Panel.
“Our Government is also working to identify priority areas for koala
protection based on the updated koala habitat mapping.
“The next stage of mapping will be used, in part, to protect koala
habitat through the planning framework.”
Minister Enoch said the Palaszczuk Government was currently reviewing
the relevant components of the planning framework that relate to koala
habitat protection.
The newly appointed Koala Council will be briefed on the next steps of
the Koala Conservation Strategy when it meets on 13 December 2018.
The new mapping is available through vegetation mapping (https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/management/vegetation/maps/map-request) or Queensland
Globe resource (https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/support-assistance/mapping-data-imagery/queensland-globe).
For more information about koala conservation in Queensland visit: https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/wildlife/koalas/
--ENDS--
Source: Queensland Government - www.statements.qld.gov.au
Contact: Media contact: 0437 859 987
External Links:
https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/wildlife/koalas/
https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/management/vegetation/maps/map-request
Recent news by: Queensland Government