What’s happening?
The Australian Koala Foundation has welcomed new independent research showing early signs of stabilisation in the Redlands Coast koala population.
The studies, conducted by the University of the Sunshine Coast and Griffith University, found no evidence of continued population decline since 2018. This follows more than 20 years of significant losses across the region.
AKF Chair Deborah Tabart will attend a formal presentation of the findings. Ahead of the meeting, she has prepared maps that visually show landscape changes across Redlands Coast since European settlement.
“It is heartening to see that Redland City Council’s attempts, but the public needs to really know this is not a problem solved,” Ms Tabart said.
Why it matters
The findings suggest koala numbers may have stabilised, but AKF says habitat loss across the Redlands continues to be a serious concern.
Ms Tabart warned that the results should not be used to justify increased development pressure in remaining koala areas, particularly while the species remains listed as Endangered at a federal level.
“These results may indicate that while numbers remain low, estimated between 350 and 500 koalas on the mainland, stabilisation marks a turning point after decades of decline but I do hope that both the Federal Government’s Environment Minister Murray Watt, where the Koala is listed as Endangered, and the development industry do not see this as open slather for other areas of Redlands that are still under constant threat of development,” Ms Tabart said.
“I would like to see more oversight from Mr Watt,” she said.
Local impact
AKF says concerns continue to be raised about koalas living on North Stradbroke Island and in Ormiston, both identified as significant koala areas.
Ms Tabart questioned whether koala protection efforts focus on selected areas rather than recognising the full Redlands landscape.
“I am wondering too whether Council has cherry picked parts of Redlands to focus Koala protection rather than recognising whole of landscape,” she said.
“We are constantly receiving concerns about Koalas on Stradbroke Island and in Ormiston, both significant areas for Koalas.”
By the numbers
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It was gratifying to see agreement that the Redlands koala population sits at about 500 animals, showing how small the population remains.
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The studies estimate the mainland Redlands population remains low, at between 350 and 500 koalas, despite signs of stabilisation.
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50,000 koalas have disappeared from Redlands, Logan, Brisbane and Pine Rivers over the past three decades, calling the situation tragic.
Zoom in
The stabilisation follows no recorded decline in koala numbers since 2018, according to the independent studies.
Ms Tabart said the findings should be viewed cautiously and in full context.
Zoom out
Koalas remain listed as Endangered under federal law.
AKF says ongoing habitat loss and development pressures mean long-term protection remains critical.
What to look for next?
The formal presentation of the research findings will provide further detail on population trends and landscape change.
AKF is calling for stronger federal oversight and broader landscape-level protection across Redlands.
