WANTED! KOALA CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS
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As a component of the Elanora-Currumbin Waters Koala Conservation Planning Project the Gold Coast City Council is preparing to undertake SAT (Spot Assessment Technique) field surveys and Strip Transect surveys in the Elanora, Currumbin Waters and Tallebudgera Valley areas, over a couple of weeks in February.
The Council would like to extend an invitation to members of Gecko who might like to/be available to volunteer to assist with these surveys.
Ideally, one or two people would be required, who would be able to stay on for all of the first or second week, to reduce the need to re-train new volunteers for each day.
The dates will be 7th, 9th and 10th (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday) and 13th 14th and 16th (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday) of February. Training days will be on the 7th in the first week and the 13th on the second week.
Please feel free to read the attached PAPER, provided on behalf of John Callaghan, outlining the methodology of the Spot Assessment Technique.
Please get in touch with Gecko on 07 5534 1412 or at office[at]gecko[dot]org[dot]au before January 31st 2012 if you would like to participate in the surveys.
BACKGROUND
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Koala populations in South East Queensland and Northern NSW, already listed as ‘vulnerable,’ are in real danger of collapse.
In November 2009, John Callaghan, Koala Conservation Project Manager for the Gold Coast City Council (GCCC), was Gecko’s Guest Speaker.
John discussed a number of Gold Coast koala conservation initiatives including:
- city-wide planning;
- localised projects in Elanora and in the rapidly expanding East Coomera urban area;
- monitoring and translocation programs;
- the securing and restoring of compensatory habitat away from the urban footprint; and
- a proposed community education and consultation program involving landowners, residents, schools and the broader community.
The GCCC has a form to report koala sightings online. Sightings can also be reported to Burleigh’s EPA office by calling 5520 9600.
Software has also been developed to map Gold Coast Koala populations. Find out more via this link
WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO?
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Write a letter!
Gecko’s letter to Federal Minister for the Environment - 16/09/2011
Proforma letter for you to send to the Minister
