New sites to help native wildlife

Plans are underway for a new wildlife fodder plantation in Strathpine which, if given a green light, would be the fifth in the City of Moreton Bay.

The plantations provide food for animals – some with special needs - being looked after by Council-approved wildlife carers.

Two plantations, at CREEC Burpengary and in Madeline Dr, Morayfield, pictured above, are operational.

Plants are maturing but cannot yet be harvested at sites in Joyner and Warner, while Strathpine is “under investigation and planning”.

The plantations began after wildlife care groups approached Council needing safe and reliable fodder (leaf, fruit, flowers) for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife.

Sites were chosen across the region to limit the distance carers have to travel and to cater for the greatest number of groups.

Plantations (operational and being established) currently have 1382 varied fodder trees/ and plants, including 19 eucalyptus, 11 flowering and 12 fruiting species.

The fodder is for wildlife carer organisations that operate or support the rehabilitation of Moreton Bay’s wildlife and have permission to enter the plantations.

This includes specialist koala and bat-care groups as well as those looking after birds, possums, gliders and more.

Council runs annual harvesting workshops for carers to demonstrate correct harvest technique.

Wildlife groups must contact Council for approval to access the plantations.