Conservation
Ipswich City Council is committed to conservation.
Council is involved in a number of programs that care and protect the City's natural resources. These vary from conserving the habitat of our faunal emblem, the Brushtailed Rock Wallaby, through to encouraging Ipswich residents to consider water conservation issues.
A range of nature conservation programs exist within council that support private landowners look after the conservation values on their own properties.
Glossy Black Cockatoos
Council supports the protection and management of the Glossy Black Cockatoo by participating in the Glossy Black Conservancy (GBC). These birds are under threat and their populations are in decline throughout Australia. These birds are located at various sites in Ipswich, and Council is committed to protecting and managing their habitat. It is important to promote their conservation through the GBC. For further information on the GBC and their conservation efforts visit: http://www.glossyblack.org.au/
Cooneana Olive
The Cooneana Olive is one of the rarest known plants in Australia. Approximately 17 wild species are known to exist in Ipswich. In 2008, it was listed as critically endangered under the Commonwealth's Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Protection Act. Council is collaborating with numerous stakeholders to ensure these specimens are protected. For more information regarding the Cooneana Olive visit: http://environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species.html
Making a koala friendly backyard
The Ipswich area is home to a population of koalas. They are seen in our local bushland reserves, large conservation estates, and parks. Residents are also privileged to be able to observe koalas in their own backyards.
There are a few simple actions that can ensure your backyard is a safe place for koalas to visit:
Retain and plant koala food trees
Koalas have a specialised diet and mainly feed on eucalyptus leaves. You can make your backyard koala friendly by retaining any food trees and also by planting the following trees which are available through Councils Free Plant Program:
- Eucalyptus tereticornis (Qld Blue Gum)
- Corymbia citriodora (Spotted Gum)
- Eucalyptus crebra (Narrow Leaf Ironbark)
- Eucalyptus grandis (Flooded Gum)
- Eucalyptus microcorys (Tallowwood)
- Eucalyptus moluccana (Gummed Topped Box)
- Eucalyptus propinqua (Grey Gum)
- Eucalyptus seeana (Narrow Leaf Red Gum)
- Lophostemon confertus (Qld Brush Box)
Note: Stock subject to availability.
Plant trees close together
Koalas prefer to move in and through trees rather than along the ground. Plant trees at a distance of 2m from each other so that koalas can move easily and safely from tree to tree across adjoining branches.
Watch from a distance
Koalas are easily disturbed and can become stressed. It is better to watch any koalas in your backyard from a distance such as your veranda. Keep a pair of binoculars handy so that you can use them to see the koala "up close". Remember that if the koala feels safe it is more likely to visit your area again.
Koala friendly fencing
Koalas living in urban areas often face several obstacles during their nightly movements. In our suburban areas one of the biggest problems is fencing. Without too much effort or cost, we can assist koalas to move freely and provide them with a quick escape.
Some tips for koala friendly fencing include:
- constructing fences around existing trees and vegetation
- planting of vegetation within close proximity (branches touching) to either side of fence to provide a natural ladder
- place a pole/plank against fence at a 45 degree angle between two supporting upright poles - allows a quick escape
- ensure the thickness of panels or planks provides a walkway along the top of the fence
- leave a small gap between panels/planks to allow koalas to grip and climb
- ensure chain wire fences are topped by a plank or horizontal pole to allow koalas to use it as a bridge
- a suitably planted hedge allows animals passageway while also providing an effective barrier
These fences are well suited to koalas but not necessarily to the ground dwellers such as bandicoots and wallabies. If these animals are in your area, a fence that allows easy access for all fauna is one that has a 30cm gap from the ground to the bottom rail, chain or post of the fence.
Make your swimming pool koala safe
Even though koalas can swim, they cannot get out of pools using steps. Make your pool koala safe by attaching a thick rope to a floating device, for example, an empty plastic drink bottle. Koalas can use this as a way to climb out if they fall in. Alternatively, place an escape board where a koala can easily reach it and climb out of the pool.
Keep koalas safe from your dog
Dogs will naturally defend their territory from intruders, including a koala. One of the reasons people keep dogs is to increase their security, especially at night. However this is the time when koalas are most active. Even by playing with a koala dogs can cause serious injury and even death as a koala has soft fragile skin and minimal defence ability.
There are some simple tips to ensure that your home and family are kept safe at night whilst allowing koalas to be safe in your yard. Tie your dog away from any trees, ensuring they have plenty of shade, shelter and water. Alternatively, keep them locked inside at night, either inside your house or in an enclosed verandah or even the garage. Your dog will also provide better protection being close to your home as they will still pick up noises and you will easily hear them bark.
Web links for further information:
Ipswich City Council's Free Plant Program
For sick, injured or orphaned koalas:
To report koala sightings go to:
www.epa.qld.gov.au/nature_conservation/wildlife/wildlife_online/
General koala information:
 Map Key Conservation Areas (PDF, 814 kb)
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