Koala Woman Says

This electorate was another large source for the fur trade, in 1905 members of the Goango (between Yeppoon and Blackwater) Marsupial Board argued that the government should extend the provisions of the Native Animals Protection Act to the Koala to ensure the sustainable harvest of skins. The legislation was passed but it did nothing to abate the slaughter. This was one of the first examples of Koala legislation, and like today’s EPBC Act was ineffectual.

Springsure was a hotspot for Koalas in this electorate; they have provided data for research since the 1980s. Onlyfour were recorded in 2015, a 95% decline. Many of the River Red Gums were dead – the water was gone due to drought. “Spring-not-so-sure” might be a better name. Between 1990 and 2000 there were 80 records for the entire electorate and only 38 in the last 10 years, mostly in the eastern part of the electorate. Koalas appear to be contracting towards the coast except in the Expedition Ranges where it is a bit cooler and wetter.

This is another electorate where there is immense pressure from mining infrastructure. Mining companies could do so much more particularly if they see outside their own mining leases and understand the accumulated effects especially the impact of roads and drawdown of groundwater upon which Koala food trees depend.

Will he Act or Axe?