249-03 Survival of koalas in the Gold Coast region

Eligibility - Citizens of Queensland
Principal Petitioner:
Lois Levy OAM
Gecko - Gold Coast and Hinterland Environment Council Association Inc
139 Duringan Street
CURRUMBIN QLD 4223
Total Signatures - 2,200
Sponsoring Member: Christine Smith MP
Posting Date: 25/02/2003
Tabled Date: 09/10/2003
Referred to: Referred Minister on 10/10/2003
Responded By: Hon Dean Wells MP on 02/12/2003
TO: The Honourable the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland

The petition of citizens of Queensland draws to the attention of the House grave concerns of the survival of koalas in the Gold Coast region. The Gold Coast koalas are under threat of extinction from land clearing, motor vehicles, disease, domestic dogs and cats. Dr John Hanger, honorary veterinarian for Wildcare, estimates that 90% of the Gold Coast’s koalas have succumbed to these threats and urgent action is required to halt this destruction.

Your petitioners therefore request the House to: (1) Endorse the SEQ Regional Nature Conservation Strategy and declare vegetation clearing as an environmentally relevant activity under the Environmental Protection Act 1994, and (2) Allocate adequate funding for koala research, education, management and acquisition of koala habitat in the Gold Coast region.