
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. Koalas have never recovered from the fur trade slaughter, with only scattered records across the electorate.
Springsure was a hotspot for Koalas in this electorate; they have provided data for research since the 1980s. Only four were recorded in 2015, a 95% decline and none since then. 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 20 in the last 10 years, mostly in the far south of the electorate near Kingaroy.
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 accumulated effects especially the impact of roads and drawdown of groundwater upon which Koala food trees depend.
Member for Flynn
Mr Colin Boyce MP
Liberal National Party of Queensland
Colin.Boyce.MP@aph.gov.au
76 Goondoon St Gladstone QLD 4680
Will he Act or Axe?


Koala Numbers
Estimated AKF Koala Population: 200-400
Estimated Koala Habitat left: 51.4%
Estimated Federal Government Population: 5,000-13,000
Listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act (Feb 2022)