Who’s Who in 2022, Environment: Pine Rivers Koala Care

Volunteers from Pine Rivers Koala Care have urged residents to report injured koalas across the region, throughout 2022, in a bid to save the species from extinction.

Dozens of koalas are injured or killed by cars, diseases or dogs each year, which puts a heavy toll on the koala population and the volunteers and carers who go out and rescue them.

Anzac Avenue, particularly through Kippa-Ring, Rothwell and Kallangur has been a hot spot where koalas have been found, as well as the Bruce Highway off-ramp at Burpengary, Kurwongbah, Whiteside, the Hills District, Petrie, Narangba and North Lakes.

With more of their natural habitat being destroyed to make way for development, representatives from Pine Rivers Koala Care are more determined than ever to ensure more bushland is protected to ensure the species’ survival.

About Pine Rivers Koala Care

Pine Rivers Koala Care Association is a volunteer-run organisation that works with Moreton Bay Regional Council, the Environmental Protection Agency and the RSPCA to help sick and injured koalas across the region.

The group has been rescuing and rehabilitating koalas and other native wildlife since its formation in 1995.

Its mission is to prevent the destruction of koala habitat and educate the public on what they can do to help boost the number of koalas in the wild.

The group does this with its public education program; lobbying representatives at all levels of government; providing 24-hour wildlife rescue and rehabilitation services; providing an emergency rescue service to ensure animals receive professional care; working towards the rehabilitation of sick, injured or orphaned koalas and ensuring their return to a safe habitat; and providing spotter catcher services and other supportive services in accordance with relevant legislation.

It is estimated members attend to more than 300 koala calls and 1000 wildlife calls each year.

They also collect deceased koalas for autopsies and data purposes.

Threats to koalas include habitat destruction, disease, domestic dogs and vehicles.

The group also takes part in several community initiatives like National Tree Day where members plant hundreds of trees that will provide shelter and food for the koala population, both in the community and at local schools.

The group meets on the fourth Thursday of the month on the second floor at Club Pine Rivers from 7-8pm. The meeting is followed by a group catch-up.

If you spot an injured or deceased koala, phone Pine Rivers Koala Care immediately on 0401 350 799.