South East Queensland Koala Habitat Assessment and Mapping Project
Extensively mapping South East Queensland’s koala habitat has been a key focus of the Koala Response Strategy.
The South East Queensland Koala Habitat Assessment and Mapping Project, completed in May 2009, was undertaken by GHD on behalf of the Queensland Government. It represents the most comprehensive koala habitat assessment and mapping project undertaken in Queensland to date. The project was recognised in 2009 with a Queensland Spatial Excellence (Industry) Award by the Queensland Spatial Information Council.
The Department of Environment and Resource Management commissioned this project to consolidate the best scientific knowledge on koala habitat. The results were then used to inform actions of the Queensland Government’s Koala Response Strategy. A key component of this strategy is the development of a State planning policy and State planning regulatory provisions based on this project.
Purpose of the mapping
The habitat values mapping, completed as part of this project, is specific to koalas and informs actions to protect existing koala habitat. It also highlights areas where new habitat for koalas in South East Queensland can be established.
The mapping provides a comprehensive assessment of koala habitat, which allows strategic future planning of development to avoid areas of highest value to koalas. Information from the project helps identify ways that infrastructure (future road and rail corridors, planning for new urban areas and development activities) can avoid areas of most value to koalas.
The koala habitat values mapping has informed the development of the statutory maps associated with the SPP and SPRP, as well as requirements under the Offsets Policy and State Government Supported Community Infrastructure Policy.
The habitat values mapping is also assisting koala habitat programs, such as the selection of offset sites to replace koala habitat lost to development, and protection and rehabilitation activities, such as acquisitions and koala nature refuges.
- GHD Report: South East Queensland Koala Habitat Assessment and Mapping Project (PDF, 1.1M)*
- 2009 South East Queensland Koala Habitat Values Assessment map (PDF, 2.1M)*
* Requires Adobe Reader
Last updated 29 August 2011