Tree growth at one of Queensland’s largest koala habitat projects at Grandchester continues to outpace all expectations.
The five-year landmark project was a partnership initiated between Powerlink Queensland, Ipswich City Council and Healthy Waterways and Catchments (previously SEQ Catchments) in December 2013.
Powerlink Chief Executive Merryn York said only three years on the 12,500 koala food and shelter trees continued to grow at a rapid pace and showed no signs of slowing down.
“The habitat provides an important koala corridor, establishing connectivity to surrounding koala habitat in the Ipswich area,” Ms York said.
“Saplings that were one metre high are now substantial trees measuring between 3-4 metres high. Most trees also have healthy new leaf and stem growth due to the warm spring and recent rainfall.
“A few of the trees are already up to eight metres high, so we’re looking for signs that koalas are ready to call some of these trees home. There are definitely signs of animal activity so we’re hopeful koalas are next.
“This project offers significant environmental outcomes from a conservation and biodiversity perspective.
“By increasing koala habitat we are in turn increasing the koala’s long-term survival rates. So it’s really encouraging to see such positive results after just a few years.”
Healthy Waterways and Catchments Chief Executive Officer, Julie McLellan, said the project has exceeded expectations and demonstrates the power of government, industry and community partnerships in achieving real on-ground outcomes that protect our natural environment and wildlife.
“The 12,500 trees were planted over 27 hectares of rocky landscape and have endured extreme weather conditions, with 2016 being one of the driest years we’ve had in 15 years,” Ms McLellan said.
“Despite these difficult conditions, the trees have thrived and, on average, doubled their expected heights.
“During a time when South East Queensland’s koala population is under threat, this project has established critical habitat which will help koalas and other native wildlife thrive.
“This will also help to build the resilience of our natural environment in the face of climate change and development pressures.
“We are really pleased with the outcomes to-date and thankful to Powerlink and Ipswich City Council for their ongoing commitment to achieving environmental outcomes that go beyond their regulatory requirements.”
