report for koala habitat survey and mapping in... · 2018. 3. 6. · the study area lies within...

Caboolture, Pine Rivers &Redcliffe Councils

Report for Koala Habitat Survey andMapping

Final Report

May 2008

41/18476/373851 Koala Habitat Survey and MappingFinal Report

Contents

Executive Summary i

1. Introduction 1

1.1 Background 1

1.2 Project Objectives 2

1.3 GHD Staff 3

2. Methodology 5

2.1 Stage A - Background Review 5

2.2 Stage B - Koala Survey & Data Analysis 7

2.3 Stage C - Koala Habitat Mapping 8

3. Results 10

3.1 Koala Survey Results 10

3.2 Koala Habitat Matrix 14

3.3 Koala Habitat Area Mapping 17

4. Discussion & Recommendations 24

4.1 Status of Koala Population 24

4.2 Comparisons with Other Regional Koala Populations 24

4.3 Applications of the Proposed Koala Habitat Mapping 24

4.4 Project Limitations 26

5. References 27

Figure IndexFigure 3 Estimated koala density (koalas ha-1) at the 23 bushland sites with

95% confidence limits. 13

Table IndexTable 1 Urban koala survey density estimates 10Table 2 Bushland survey locations and koala density estimates 11Table 3 Tree species in which koalas were recorded at the bushland

survey sites 13


Table 4 Sex ratios (%) of independent koalas that were observed duringbushland and urban koala surveys 14

Table 5 Koala habitat assessment matrix 15Table 6 Justification for habitat area 1 to be identified as a Koala

Conservation Area 18Table 7 Justification for habitat area 2 to be identified as an Urban Koala

Area 18Table 8 Justification for habitat area 3 to be identified as a Koala

Living Area 20Table 9 Justification for habitat area 4 to be identified as an Urban Koala

Area 20Table 10 Justification for habitat area 5 to be identified as an Urban Koala

Area 21Table 11 Justification for habitat area 6 to be identified as a Koala

Conservation Area 22Table 12 Justification for habitat area 7 to be identified as a Koala

Living Area 22Table 13 Justification for habitat area 8 to be identified as a Koala

Conservation Area 23

AppendicesAppendix A 28

i41/18476/373851 Koala Habitat Survey and MappingFinal Report

Executive Summary

In July 2007, GHD commenced the Caboolture, Pine Rivers and Redcliffe koala habitat mapping projectfor Caboolture, Pine Rivers and Redcliffe councils. The objective of the project was to gain a betterunderstanding of koala populations and habitat areas within these three Local Government Areas (LGA).This was achieved through background literature reviews, database searches, field surveys and a spatialplanning exercise.

In August and September 2007, GHD Ecologists conducted koala surveys at 38 survey sites (23bushland and 15 urban) in the Caboolture, Pine Rivers and Redcliffe LGAs. The extensive field surveysundertaken for the project indicate a range of koala densities across the study area ranging from low tovery high (0.0-1.22 koalas ha-1). Comparisons with previous koala studies in the region indicate a generaldecline in koala densities, a trend that is consistent with reports of koala population declines in otherparts of Southeast Queensland.

In order to conserve koala populations in the study area, it is recommended that a precautionaryapproach to future planning be adopted as a matter of urgency to protect and enhance existing koalahabitat. This includes identification and protection of locally significant koala populations and koalahabitat via state and local planning mechanisms, particularly implementation of the Nature Conservation(Koala) Conservation Plan 2006 and Management Program 2006-2016 (the Koala Plan).

Based on this precautionary approach and using information from koala surveys and other relevant data,eight important koala habitat areas were identified within the study area. It is recommended that theseareas be mapped in addition to the existing koala habitat areas identified by the Koala Plan. A key findingof this project was the failure of the Koala Plan to provide an alternative to protecting important habitatareas outside the boundaries of Urban Footprint and Rural Living Area, which may not satisfy all of thecharacteristics of a Koala Conservation Area (KCA).

This report outlines the key personnel that undertook the study, the methodologies used to identifyimportant koala habitat areas and the justifications for inclusion of additional important habitat areasunder state and local planning mechanisms, particularly the Koala Plan.


1. Introduction

1.1 BackgroundThe koala Phascolarctos cinereus, listed as ‘vulnerable’ in the southeast Queensland Bioregion underthe Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NCA) and its regulations in 2004, is Queensland’s official faunalemblem and is an international faunal icon that attracts considerable political and public attention. TheNature Conservation (Koala) Conservation Plan 2006 and Management Program 2006-2016 (the KoalaPlan) was released by the Queensland Government in October 2006. This plan aims to “promote thecontinued existence of viable koala populations in the wild; prevent the decline of koala habitats; andpromote future land use that is compatible with the survival of koala populations in the wild” (EPA 2006).

Southeast Queensland (SEQ) is currently one of the fastest human population growth regions inAustralia. The combination of community attention, legislative listing, intent of the Koala Plan andpopulation growth in SEQ highlights the importance of ensuring that robust science underpins habitatprotection and future planning for koala conservation and habitat protection.

1.1.1 Development of the Caboolture, Pine Rivers and Redcliffe Koala Habitat Mapping Project

The Koala Plan identifies the Local Government Authorities (LGAs) of Caboolture, Pine Rivers andRedcliffe as being located within Koala District A. Of the three Districts defined in the Koala Plan, thisDistrict has been identified as having the highest koala population densities and the greatest threatsassociated with habitat destruction and human impacts. The main focus of the strategies in the KoalaPlan is therefore to reduce the threats in District A (Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 2006). Toachieve this, funding has been allocated to these three LGAs to conduct koala surveys and habitatmapping for the LGA.

Extensive koala habitat areas are currently mapped and identified in the Koala Plan for Pine Rivers Shireand Caboolture. These areas are mapped as Urban Koala Area (UKA), Koala Conservation Area (KCA),Koala Sustainability Area (KSA) and Koala Living Areas (KLA). Little mapping is provided in the KoalaPlan for Redcliffe, except as KLAs. GHD has been engaged to conduct koala surveys and habitatassessment using the methods and approaches outlined within the Koala Plan.

1.1.2 Location and Description of Project Area

The area of interest includes the Caboolture, Pine Rivers and Redcliffe LGAs. These LGAs are situatedbetween 25 km and 45 km north and east of Brisbane, in SEQ (Figure 1). The three LGA’s encompass acombined area of approximately 207,000 ha. All of the figures that referred to in describing the projectarea and its location are included in Appendix A.

The study area lies within three main Catchment areas including: the Stanley, Pine Rivers &Pumicestone Catchments. In the west of the study area is the D’Aguilar Range, which extends from thenorthern and southern boundaries of the study area. This area is characterised by rolling hills and largestream valleys (Sattler & Williams 1999). The range is dominated by ironbark eucalypt woodlands, withsome areas of Eucalyptus tereticornis woodland (Sattler & Williams 1999). The wetter and moreprotected gullies also support rainforest communities (Dique et al. 2003a).

Towards the east, particularly in the Pine Rivers and Redcliffe LGAs, the study area is largely urbanisedwith some remnant woodland areas, urban housing developments, acreage properties, villages and


cleared fertile farming land (Dique et al. 2003a). The majority of the remnant vegetation communities inthis area are heathlands and banksia woodlands, Melaleuca quinquenervia woodlands, sedgelands andopen eucalypt forests and tall open eucalypt forests (Sattler & Williams 1999).

1.2 Project ObjectivesThe principle aim of the project is to gain a better understanding of koala populations and habitat areaswithin the Caboolture, Pine Rivers and Redcliffe LGAs. This was accomplished through the identificationof important habitat areas and mapping of koala conservation areas. Development of these maps willpromote future land use, which prevents loss and minimises impacts to koala habitat areas andpopulations. This information will formulate a sound scientific basis for good governance and decisionmaking in the promotion of future land use and development that is compatible with the survival of koalapopulations in the three LGAs and will help raise awareness of koala conservation within the community.


1.3 GHD StaffThe following staff were involved in undertaking the background review of information, field studies,mapping and reporting for the project.

1.3.1 Project Director

Dr David Dique, Principal Ecologist

Dr David Dique is a terrestrial ecologist with over 12 years experience and has recently joined GHD fromthe Qld EPA. David specialises in wildlife research, survey and assessment of fauna, biodiversityconservation planning and threatened species recovery policy and legislation.

David was a senior member of EPAs Koala Research Unit from 1995 to 2004 and has conductedextensive koala research throughout many parts of Queensland. A component of David’s PhD includedkoala survey methodology and it is his research that underpins the EPAs koala survey and habitatmapping methodology outlined in Policy 7 of the Koala Plan. The research work also led to the adoptionof koala habitat areas in the SEQ Regional Plan and Koala Plan for Redland Shire, Logan City, BrisbaneCity, Pine Rivers and a number of other LGAs throughout SEQ. David has been instrumental in thesuccessful listing of the koala as vulnerable under the NCA in 2004 and contributed his technicalexpertise to the development of the Koala Plan. In 2001/02, David managed a koala survey and habitatmapping project for Pine Rivers Shire Council and provided mapping that was incorporated into the PineRivers Planning Scheme.

David was the primary contact for this project, he was also responsible for the day to day management,including liaison with Caloundra and the EPA, developing and supervising the field component of theproject, coordinating GIS and planning components of the project, providing specialist advice andreviewing reports.

1.3.2 Project Management and Reporting

Katherine Taske – Environmental Scientist

Katherine is an environmental scientist with GHD specialising in environmental assessments of bothterrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. She has a Bachelor of Environmental Science degree with a focusin Ecology. She has knowledge and experience in the survey and analysis of terrestrial and freshwaterflora and fauna ecosystems. These include: surveys of mammals, frogs, bats, birds, reptiles,macroinvertebrates, macrophytes and fish, and terrestrial and freshwater habitat assessments. Katherinehas been involved in a number of projects that included targeted koala surveys for GHD clients.

Katherine currently contributes to a number of significant Environmental Impact Assessments, habitatand ecological assessments, baseline monitoring and infrastructure projects. She is currently completingher qualification for AUSRIVAS accreditation through the University of Canberra. Katherine holds therelevant scientific purposes permits and ethics approval to allow her to undertake fieldwork.

In conjunction with David, Katherine was responsible for managing and undertaking the fieldwork,mapping and reporting component of this project.


1.3.3 Koala field survey

The GHD project team also comprised the following staff that assisted in the survey component of theproject as required. All team members have degrees in environmental science or zoology and haveprevious experience in fauna investigations, koala detection and eucalypt identification. The teamincluded Dr. Simon Hodgkison, Ruth Stewart, Chris Lane, Lauren Cave as well as those membersalready listed above (further details of the expertise of these staff can be provided on request).

1.3.4 Habitat mapping & GIS

Andrea Herklots – Principal GIS

Andrea has over 20 years experience in the spatial industry, and she is the Service Group Manager forthe Spatial Technology Group in GHD’s Brisbane office. Andrea’s experience spans many differentspatial environments including private industry, research, vendor and with the public sector. She hasextensive experience in the use of remote sensing for the mapping of vegetation, wetlands and remnantecosystems.

Andrea was responsible for review and direction of SEQ Catchments to conduct the habitat stratificationand mapping components of this project.

Shannon Mooney – SEQ Catchments (Technical Support Manager)

Shannon provided technical support for the habitat stratification and mapping components of this project.Shannon’s experience in using GIS and his knowledge of SEQ environments proved to be an invaluableaddition to this project.

Shannon was responsible for assisting with data analysis, interpretation and finalising the koala habitatmaps for the LGA.


2. Methodology

The project can be separated into four main stages. For ease of explanation these four stages will bereferred to in the methodology description. They include:

» Stage A – Background Information – including background review, habitat stratification and surveysite selection;

» Stage B – Koala Survey – including urban and bushland field surveys;

» Stage C – Koala Habitat Mapping – providing the habitat map using the koala habitat matrix (in Policy7 of the Koala Plan); and

» Stage D – Reporting.

2.1 Stage A - Background ReviewIn order to provide koala habitat assessment review and mapping of the project area it was necessary toascertain the level of knowledge regarding koalas in the project area, and to thus identify knowledgegaps that needed to be satisfied. This was done by performing a background information review, whichentailed a review of documents and datasets relevant to the project including:

» Nature Conservation (Koala) Conservation Plan 2006 (Koala Plan);

» Queensland Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) koala sighting data, including the QueenslandParks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) report on Koalas in Pine Rivers Shire: Distribution, abundanceand Management (Dique et al. 2003b), and Evaluation of line transect sampling for estimating koalaabundance in the Pine Rivers Shire (Dique et al. 2003a);

» Biodiversity Overlay Code of the Pine Rivers Plan 2006;

» Caboolture Shire Council koala point source records;

» Redcliffe Shire Council koala survey records; and

» Pine Rivers Shire Council koala survey records.

2.1.1 Habitat stratification and site selection

Habitat Stratification

The habitat stratification component of the project was undertaken by staff from the Regional NaturalResource Management (NRM) Group SEQ Catchments, as a partner to the project with assistance byGHD. Vegetation was stratified using the general landcover approach outlined in Policy 7 of the KoalaPlan. The EPA Regional Ecosystem dataset for Caboolture, Pine Rivers and Redcliffe was used as thebase data layer for this process.

The aim of the habitat stratification and site selection component of the project was to identify broadvegetation areas and in turn locate potential sites representative of the LGA to undertake koala surveys.It should be noted that determining the density of koalas across broad vegetation areas does not assumea relationship between habitat quality and vegetation type.


The three LGAs were stratified into four broad vegetation types or habitat strata: Bushland, RemnantBushland, Urban, and Rural.

Definitions of the strata are outlined within Policy 7 of the Koala Plan. For this component of the project(Stage A), vegetation has been categorised into strata predominantly based on patch size (bushland>100 ha, remnant bushland 10-100 ha, urban <10 ha and rural = 0 ha).

Some clarification is required for the definitions of ‘strata’ in the Koala Plan and how strata weredetermined for this study. The most important difference is with regard to the remnant bushland stratum.While not explicit in the Koala Plan, remnant bushland strata has previously been associated withimportant vegetation remnants within an urban matrix, particularly within the Koala Coast. In Caloundra,the majority of remnant bushland patches (i.e. patches of vegetation 10-100 ha) are located within ruralareas and are often grazed. Therefore, no sites occur within the ‘rural stratum’per se, but are locatedwithin the remnant patches within the rural landscape. It is then assumed that sampling remnant patchesof vegetation within the rural landscape provides an indication of koala densities within remnant bushlandand rural strata.

In addition, the urban stratum is based purely on patch size. However, for the purposes of this part of theproject, urban patches were located within the ‘urban footprint’ classification in the SEQ Regional Plan.

Selection of Bushland Sites

According to standard wildlife survey practice and Policy 7 of the Koala Plan, survey sites were selectedwithin bushland and remnant bushland strata to ensure an adequate spread of sites across the region.In an attempt to minimise the variation of density estimates within each stratum, sampling intensity (i.e.the number of sites sampled) was greater in areas of predicted high koala density and less in areas ofpredicted low koala density according to Caughley and Sinclair (1994).

Site selection was undertaken in two phases: desktop and ground truthing. Twenty-nine potential siteswere selected during a desktop process by considering the following criteria:

» Habitat strata (bushland, remnant bushland);

» Patch size (minimum 40-50 ha patch size);

» Koala distribution (from the EPA sighting dataset (Wildnet)); and

» Lot size (minimum lot size 40-50 ha).

Following the desktop process, field investigations of each site were carried out to ensure that each siteprovided an adequate representation of the surrounding area and provided suitable vegetation types andsite access. During this stage the site list was refined to 23 sites based on on-ground suitability of thesites for survey.

Selection of Urban SitesSelection of the 15 urban survey sites was based upon the following criteria:

» Clusters of historic koala sightings;

» Housing density;

» Identification in the SEQ Regional Plan as occurring within the Urban Footprint;

» Presence of remnant eucalypts and parkland areas; and


» Size (approximately 20 ha per site).

2.2 Stage B - Koala Survey & Data Analysis

2.2.1 Koala Field Survey

Two different techniques were employed in this project for koala field surveys. The bushland koalasurveys were performed using line transect sampling, and the urban sites surveyed by total counts. Themajority of surveys were conducted during August and September 2007. Additional information fromeach koala sighting was collected including location, description of the tree in which the koala wassighted, age class, reproductive status and health status.

Bushland Koala SurveysLine transect sampling was employed following the methodology described in Dique et al. (2003a). Thistechnique involved a two-person survey team searching a transect of known length, which was randomlylocated within the study site. One person acted as a navigator to ensure that the transect line wasadhered to, whilst the other meandered within 10m of the transect line. Both team members acted askoala observers. Trees located on or near the transect line were thoroughly searched in order to detectall koalas present. This was done to ensure that the probability of detecting koalas close to and on theline was 100%, the importance of which is emphasised by Buckland et al. (1993).

Once located, the distance of the koala from the transect line was recorded, along with a description ofthe tree in which the koala was sighted.

Urban Koala Surveys

Total count surveys were employed in the urban study sites following the methodology described inDique et al. (2003a). This technique involved surveying every tree located within each survey site for thepresence of koalas.

2.2.2 Data analysis and density estimates

Bushland koala surveys

Population densities for each of the bushland sites surveyed were estimated using the methodsaccording to Dique et al. (2003a). When sampling objects from a line, it is expected that a proportion ofthe sample subjects will remain undetected (Dique et al. 2003a). In order to accurately estimate densityfrom line transects a correction factor, known as a sightability parameter ( ( )0f̂ ), must be incorporated

into the estimation.

Population density iD̂ for each site i can then be calculated using the following (Dique et al. 2003a):

( ) iii LfnD 20ˆˆ = Equation 1

Where in is the number of koalas detected and iL is the length of the transect, at site i .

The sightability parameter ( ( )0f̂ ) can be calculated using the software program DISTANCE, however in

order to produce a reliable estimate of ( )0f̂ at least 60-80 objects must be sighted (Buckland et al.


1993). Previous koala surveys in the study area have already calculated ( )0f̂ . Dique et al. (2003a)

calculated an ( )0f̂ estimate for the Pine Rivers Shire ( ( )0f̂ = 0.00285 +/- 0.0021 s.e.) which was

adopted for this study. The benefit of using the ( )0f̂ indentified above is that the densities obtained

through this study can be directly compared to previous estimates in the study area. However, it shouldbe noted that GHD made the assumption that the ( )0f̂ value would be suitable for application to each

LGA, based on the similar characteristics of the Caboolture and Redcliffe LGA’s to that of Pine Rivers.

Urban koala surveys

For the urban survey sites, population density for a site i was estimated by dividing the number ofkoalas sighted ( in ) by the area searched ( ia ) (Dique et al. 2003a):

iii anD =ˆ Equation 2

The area of each site was calculated using Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques.

2.3 Stage C - Koala Habitat MappingFollowing field survey and collation of the available themes, the results were used to conduct the koalahabitat mapping process as described in Policy 7 of the Koala Plan.

This involved:

» development of a habitat matrix to rank koala habitat across the study area;

» development of the required mapping (base mapping showing a variety of information layers) to applythe matrix and ultimately produce the habitat assessment map (defining matrix zones); and

» development of the final map product and accompanying report describing the areas of koala habitatsrepresented across the LGAs, consistent with the intent of the Koala Plan.

2.3.1 Koala Habitat Matrix

In order to define broad koala habitat areas within each stratum, each LGA was divided in broad zonesand ranked using a koala habitat matrix (as defined in Policy 7 of the Koala Plan). This matrix waspredominantly based on the results of the koala surveys with some consideration given to incidentalkoala sighting records and habitat connectivity across the landscape. High koala densities and goodconnectivity between vegetation patches were given a higher koala conservation value than low density,highly fragmented areas.

2.3.2 GIS Base Map Development

The base map of the LGA required for the application of the matrix aims to represent both the results ofthe background review and field surveys as well address issues regarding vegetation connectivity.

The base mapping involved the collaboration of the following themes, some of which were sourcedduring previous stages and some included to supplement existing information.

» to identify connectivity and linkages across the LGAs, Statewide Landcover & Tree Study (SLATS)data was used in a GIS to identify woody vegetation tracts with Foliage Projective Cover (FPC) >40%.Areas of unsuitable koala habitat were removed using regional ecosystem mapping (i.e. areas of


plantation, mangroves, etc). These tracts were converted into a vector format and classified based onarea into three size classes, i.e. ‘<10ha’, ‘10-100ha’, and ‘>100ha’;

» Koala sighting data from Caboolture, Pine Rivers, Redcliffe and the EPA was used to create acadastral based sighting record. Any cadastral parcels in which a koala sighting was recorded werehighlighted and extracted as part of the new dataset; and

» Base maps were then visually analysed by experienced GHD personnel to identify potentialvegetation linkages between the koala sighting records and using the density estimates from GHDfield investigations.

Using these base maps, the habitat matrix was considered in the context of the spatial habitat zones forthe study area that were identified by Dique et al. (2003a). The habitat zones identified in the koalahabitat matrix (Table 5) were visually applied to direct the amendment of the current koala plan to includeadditional important koala habitat areas.

2.3.3 Koala Habitat Area Mapping

The aim of classifying Koala Habitat Areas was to identify statutory areas for reflection within localgovernment planning schemes. In order to produce a cadastral-based koala habitat map the final stage,involved a combination of the desktop and field survey data obtained during the study and a spatialplanning exercise to incorporate relevant planning mechanisms such as the SEQ Regional Plan. Usingthe classification table provided by the Koala Plan (Table 14 in Policy 7), the base maps were thenvisually analysed by experienced GHD personnel to identify potential koala habitat areas.

The visual analysis also considered the potential vegetation linkages between the koala sighting recordsand considered proximity to already protected areas (such as National Parks and areas identified forlocal protection). Through visual interpretation of the data presented in these maps and in theconsideration of the koala habitat matrix, GHD was able to identify individual cadastral parcels thatrepresented important vegetation links and important koala habitat areas and apply a habitatclassification to cadastral lots based on habitat values.


3. Results

3.1 Koala Survey ResultsA total of 94 independent koalas were sighted at 38 sites during the project across the three LGAs. Allmap figures that are used to present the following results are included in Appendix A.

3.1.1 Urban density estimates

The locations of the urban sites that were surveyed are displayed in Figure 2 and listed in Table 1. Urbansurveys were conducted in conjunction with councils and volunteers over a series of weekends in Augustand September, except the survey at Whiteside, which was conducted on Sunday 2nd December 2007.

In total, 40 independent koalas were sighted during the urban surveys. Estimates of urban koala densitywere calculated using Equation 2, and ranged from 0 to 0.22 koalas ha-1 (Table 1).

Table 1 Urban koala survey density estimates

Site Name Estimated KoalaDensity (ha-1)

a) Bray Park 0.02

b) Burpengary 0.05

c) Caboolture 0.00

d) Deception Bay 0.00

e) Joyner 0.02

f) Kallangur 0.05

g) Kippa Ring 0.00

h) Lawnton 0.22

i) Mango Hill 0.07

j) Narangba 0.14

k) Petrie 0.11

l) Redcliffe 0.00

m) Rothwell 0.00

n) Strathpine 0.09

o) Whiteside 0.22


Bushland site density estimates

Koala bushland surveys were conducted at 23 sites. These sites are displayed in Figure 2 and listed inTable 2. GHD staff conducted surveys of the bushland sites during August and September 2007.

Table 2 Bushland survey locations and koala density estimates

SiteNo. Lot Plan Tenure Location

Est. KoalaDensity (ha-1)

Caboolture

1 572 FTY1521 SF Bellthorpe Forest, Stanmore 0.00

2 832 AP6217 FR Bellthorpe Forest 2, Stanmore 0.00

3 589 AP6213 FRBeerburrum Forest Reserve 1,Woodford 0.00

4 60 SP165120 FH Woodford folk festival grounds 0.00

5 512 C31988 FH Delany Creek Road 0.00

6 5 RP867964 FH Campbells Pocket Road 0.00

7 589 FTY1827 SFBeerburrum West State Forest,Bracalba 0.00

8 127 NPW640 NPGlasshouse Mountains National Park,Wamuran 0.00

10 2 RP206112 FH Rocksberg 0.00

11 144 SL8113 NPSheep Station Creek ConservationPark, Upper Caboolture 0.03

13 136 NPW673 NPFreshwater National Park, DeceptionBay 0.06

14 166 SP134095 RE Environmental Park 0.21

Redcliffe

15 313 S3178 FHChelsea Street EnvironmentalReserve, Kippa-Ring 0.70

Pine Rivers

16 42 MAR6110 FH PRSC Scout Hut, Kurwongbah 1.22

17 2 RP84313 FH SEQ Water, Samsonvale 0.00

18 200 SP107891 FHAlison Booker Crt Reserve,Samsonvale 0.00

19 1 RP112599 FH Murrenbong Scout Campsite, 0.17


Kurwongbah

21 1662 AP6232 FRClear Mountain State Forest,Cashmere 0.00

22 177 S31139 FH SEQ Water, Joyner 0.24

24 1376 AP6309 FR Brisbane Forest Park, Ferny Hills 0.00

25 781 SL12166 FH Amcor Cartonboard Petrie Mill, Petrie 0.43

26 1 SL11324 RE McDowells Rd Reserve, Yugar 0.00

27 69 AP10005 FR Bunyaville State Forest, Bunya 0.00

*Tenure Codes: FR-Forest Reserve; FH-Freehold; RE-Reserve; SF-State Forest; NP-National Park

A total of 54 independent koalas were sighted during the bushland surveys. Estimates of bushland koaladensity were calculated using Equation 1, and ranged from 0 to 1.22 koalas ha-1 (Figure 1).


0.0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1.0

1.2

1.4

1.6

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 22 24 25 26 27

Site Number

Est

imat

ed K

oala

Den

sity

(k/h

a)

Figure 1 Estimated koala density (koalas ha-1) at the 23 bushland sites with 95% confidencelimits.

Koalas were observed using 14 different tree species at the bushland sites (Table 3). The most commontree species in which koalas were recorded at these sites were Eucalyptus mollucana and Eucalyptustereticornis, at 27% and 15% respectively.

Table 3 Tree species in which koalas were recorded at the bushland survey sites

Tree Species Number of Koalas per species % usage

Eucalyptus mollucana 14 27

E. racemosa 4 8

E. tereticornis 8 15

E. siderophloia 3 6

E. tindaliae 1 2

E. propinqua 1 2

Lophostemon suaveolens 1 2

Melaleuca sp. 2 3

Corymbia intermedia 1 2

C. citriodora 5 10

C. henryi 1 2

Unidentified stringybark 4 8

Unidentified grey gum 5 10

Unidentified ironbark 2 3


Tree Species Number of Koalas per species % usage

Unknown 2 3

Total 54 100

3.1.2 Sex Ratios

Where possible, the sex of each koala sighted was determined during the bushland and urban surveys.A 2:1 female to male ratio was recorded in the bushland survey. Surveys of the urban sites observed aratio of approximately 1.2:1, males to females (Table 4).

Table 4 Sex ratios (%) of independent koalas that were observed during bushland and urbankoala surveys

Bushland Surveys (%) Urban Surveys (%)

Male 33.3 47.5

Female 61.1 37.5

Undetermined 5.6 15.0

Total Number 54 40

3.1.3 Reproductive and Disease Status

Of the females observed during the bushland surveys 63.6% (21 animals) carried young. In the urbansurveys only 15% (6 animals) carried young.

Three of the koalas sighted in the bushland surveys displayed signs of disease. These included onekoala at the Redcliffe site (Site 15), and two koalas at the PRSC Scout Hut. No diseased koalas wereobserved at the urban sites.

3.2 Koala Habitat MatrixThe koala habitat matrix was modelled on the example provided in Policy 7 of the Koala Plan. The koalahabitat matrix is provided in Table 5.

Under the premise that the Koala Habitat Zones describe the relative importance of koala habitat at alocal scale (ie across the three LGAs), some areas within the three LGAs demonstrated greater numberof sightings, with less fragmentation and a higher degree of connectivity between vegetation patches.

Areas with the highest conservation value (i.e. representing Zone A) were predominantly located in thePine Rivers LGA, although this LGA did also contain some areas of lower conservation value. Areas ofhigh conservation value were also identified in Redcliffe and Caboolture although predominantly theareas contained zones of relative lower conservation value across the study area. (Error! Referencesource not found.).


Table 5 Koala habitat assessment matrix

Koala Habitat Zone Landscape Stratum

Bushland Remnant Bushland Rural Urban

A Habitat 1A 2A 3A 4A

Highest koalaconservation value

Very large areas(>100ha) of mostlyunfragmented bushland.Very large patch sizes.Generally low intensityhuman habitation.Highest koala habitatvalues and/or highestkoala densities withinstratum.

Moderate-sized areas (10-100ha) of fragmentedbushland. Provides goodhabitat and/or habitat links.Highest koala habitat valuesand/or highest koaladensities.

Rural or agricultural areas withscattered patches or clumps ofvegetation, often with an openunderstorey. Provides habitatand habitat linkages betweenimportant bushland or remnantbushland areas.

Small areas (i.e. <10ha) that occur withinthe SEQ urban footprint with importantscattered eucalypts in house lots, parksand creek lines. Some important smallpatches of bushland. High conservationvalue because this zone sustains abreeding population of koalas that maintainhome ranges in the area.

B Habitat 1B 2B 3B 4B

Medium - high koalaconservation value

Very large areas(>100ha) of mostlyunfragmented bushland.Relatively low intensityhuman habitation.Medium–high habitatvalue and/or koaladensities.

Smaller sized patches withobvious fragmentation andhuman habitation. Provideshabitat and/ or habitat links.Medium koala habitat valueand/or koala densities.

Rural or agricultural areas withpatches, clumps or scatteredindividual trees, often an openunderstorey. May or may notprovide habitat and habitatlinkages between importantbushland or remnant bushlandarea. Clumps or patches arelocally important.

Areas of urban development with scatteredeucalypts in house lots, parks and creeklines. Breeding populations present.Provides some opportunities for individualand genetic movement across habitatzones. Medium urban koala habitat value ordensities.


C Habitat 1C 2C 3C 4C

Low - medium koalaconservation value

Very large areas(>100ha) of mostlyunfragmented bushland.Areas of generally low–medium quality koalahabitat and/or koaladensities.

Fragmented bushlandpatches that provideimportant habitat links in ahighly modified landscape.Lower koala habitat valuesand/or koala densities.

Rural or agricultural areas withscattered individual trees with theoccasional patch or clump.Provides limited habitat linkagebetween important bushland orremnant bushland areas.

Areas of urban development with someeucalypts in house lots, parks and creek.Lower urban koala habitat value ordensities due to its relative isolation fromother koala populations. Human inducedkoala mortality is a significant issue in thiszone.

D Habitat 1D 2D 3D 4D

Lowest koalaconservation value

Very large areas(>100ha) of mostlyunfragmented bushland.Areas of generally lowerquality koala habitatand/or lower koaladensities.

Highly fragmented bushlandpatches that providedhabitat links in a very highlymodified landscape. Lowerkoala habitat values and/orkoala densities.

Rural or agricultural areas withscattered individual trees.Provides no or very limitedhabitat linkage betweenimportant bushland and/orremnant bushland areas.

Areas of urban development with someeucalypts in house lots, parks and creek.Lower urban koala habitat value and/ordensities due to relative isolation from otherkoala populations.

E Generally not koalahabitat

Areas with generallyno koala conservationvalue

Intensely urbanised or agricultural areas where koalas are not known to be present or generally do not occur. May also include somerainforest regional ecosystems in which koalas generally do not occur or that are only used infrequently.

(Source: Policy 7 Nature Conservation (Koala) Conservation Plan 2006 (Koala Plan)).


3.3 Koala Habitat Area MappingGHD identified eight important koala habitat areas (KHA) within the three LGAs, in addition to the alreadyidentified areas outlined within the Koala Plan. These include, three KCAs, three UKAs and two KLAs(Error! Reference source not found.). The justification for inclusion of each of these KHAs in the KoalaPlan is summarised in Tables 6 – 13. It is recognised that these areas meet the majority, but not all of thecharacteristics of particular koala habitat categories described in Policy 7 of the Koala Plan.


Table 6 Justification for habitat area 1 to be identified as a Koala Conservation Area

Koala Conservation Area – Statutory,Habitat & Locational Characteristics Supporting Evidence

Statutory intent

Located within the ‘regional landscapeand rural production area’ under the SEQRegional Plan

Refer to Figure 6a. The majority of this habitat area isclassified as ‘regional landscape and rural productionarea’. However, a small proportion of the habitat areais within the ‘investigation area’ classification. GHDpropose that negotiations between Council and EPAconsider this area as having koala value as part of‘investigations’.

Important koala habitat – critical sourceareas for the survival and dispersal ofkoalas across the landscape

This area extends across both the Pine Rivers andCaboolture LGAs, allowing for dispersal between PineRivers and Caboolture.

Large areas of relatively intact remnantregrowth or eucalypt-dominated forestand woodland

Refer to Figure 6b. Area contains large vegetationtracts, which link current koala conservation areas andurban koala areas.

Areas may include cleared areas andareas of fragmented forest andwoodlands

Refer to Figure 6b.This area includes vegetatedpatches amongst cleared areas of agricultural landwith scattered patches and corridors of suitablehabitat.

Area generally reflects high connectivitybetween patches

Refer to Figure 6d. This area represents highconnectivity due to the important vegetation links thatare captured between current koala conservationareas and urban koala areas.

Area contains high koala habitat valuesand/or generally high koala densities(relative to the LGA)

Refer to Figure 6b. Koala densities ranging from lowto 0.2 koalas ha-1 were recorded. Numerous koalasightings have also been recorded in this area.

Habitat contains a mosaic of privatelands, public lands and park estate withlimited infrastructure or urbandevelopment

Table 7 Justification for habitat area 2 to be identified as an Urban Koala Area

Urban Koala Area – Statutory, Habitat& Locational Characteristics Supporting Evidence

Statutory intent

Located within either the ‘Urban Footprint’or ‘Rural Living Area’ under the SEQRegional Plan

Refer to Figure 7a. This habitat area is located withthe ‘Urban Footprint’ classification in the SEQRegional Plan.

Area subject to a recognised urbanplanning intent within local government

LGAs have urban planning intent in this area. Finalplanning mechanisms and planning scheme



planning instruments amendments will require negotiation with EPA.


Refer to Figure 7b. Area contains several medium -large vegetation tracts (10 – 100ha).

May contain patches of fragmentedremnant and regrowth eucalyptdominated woodland

Refer to Figure 7b. Habitat area is mostly fragmentedsmall vegetation patches within urban areas (i.e.backyards, parks, schools, etc).

May include cleared areas Refer to Figure 7b. Isolated cleared patches arelocated within this habitat area.

Varied levels of connectivity Refer to Figure 7d. Some connectivity via vegetationtracts, is provided between this habitat area andadjacent KCAs and KLAs. Councils to considerincreasing connectivity in this area throughrehabilitation of existing vegetation tracts and creeklines.

May contain areas with both high andlower koala habitat values and/or koaladensities (relative to the local governmentarea)

Refer to Figure 7b. Habitat area 2 contains mostlyareas with high habitat value and low koala densities(up to 0.2 koalas ha-1) were recorded.


Table 8 Justification for habitat area 3 to be identified as a Koala Living Area

Koala Living Area – Statutory, Habitat& Locational Characteristics Supporting Evidence

Non-statutory intent GHD recommends using local government planninginstruments and mechanisms to protect habitatvalues, consistent with intent of the Koala Plan.

Located within either the ‘RegionalLandscape and Rural Production’; ‘RuralLiving Area’ or ‘Urban Footprint’ under theSEQ Regional Plan

Refer to Figure 8a. This habitat area is located withinthe Urban Footprint classification in the SEQ RegionalPlan.

Area may support small bushland areas,vegetated creek lines, parks, scatteredtrees, residential areas with landscapedgardens and cleared areas

Refer to Figure 8a. Vegetation occurs predominantlyin backyards, parks and along vegetated creek lines.

Area is known to support pockets ofhighly fragmented koala habitat and/orlower density koala population

Refer to Figure 8b. No GHD koala surveys wereundertaken in this area but there have been severalkoala sightings. The vegetation is highly fragmented.This area is adjacent to proposed UKAs and KCAsand provides an important link between adjacent koalahabitat areas with higher habitat values. Planning inthis area should focus on education and rehabilitatingcorridors.

Area may be highly urbanised with a highlevel of infrastructure provision or belocated in a highly modified rural or semirural environment

Area is highly urbanised.



Statutory intent



Area subject to a recognised urbanplanning intent within local governmentplanning instruments

LGAs have urban planning intent in this area. Finalplanning mechanisms and planning schemeamendments will require negotiation with EPA.


Refer to Figure 9b. Area contains several small –medium vegetation tracts (<10ha).

May contain patches of fragmentedremnant and regrowth eucalyptdominated woodland

Refer to Figure 9b. Habitat area is mostly fragmentedsmall vegetation patches within urban areas (i.e.backyards, parks, schools, etc).


May include cleared areas Refer to Figure 9a. Isolated cleared patches arelocated within this habitat area.

Varied levels of connectivity Refer to Figure 9d. Some connectivity via vegetationtracts, is provided between this habitat area andadjacent KCAs and proposed KLAs. Connectivity inthis area requires improving through rehabilitation ofexisting vegetation tracts.


Refer to Figure 9b. Habitat area 4 contains mostlyareas with high habitat value. A density estimate of0.14 koalas ha-1 was recorded at the Narangba urbansurvey site in this habitat area.



Statutory intent



Area subject to a recognised urbanplanning intent within local governmentplanning instruments

LGAs have urban planning intent in this area. Finalplanning mechanisms and planning schemeamendments will require negotiation with EPA


Refer to Figure 10b. Area contains several mediumvegetation tracts (10 -100ha).

May contain patches of fragmentedremnant and regrowth eucalypt dominatedwoodland

Refer to Figure 10b. Habitat area contains somefragmented habitat in more densely populated urbanareas.

May include cleared areas Refer to Figure 10a. Isolated cleared patches arelocated within this habitat area.

Varied levels of connectivity Refer to Figure 10d. Some connectivity via vegetationtracts, is provided between this habitat area andproposed adjacent KCAs and KLAs. Connectivity inthis area requires improving through rehabilitation ofexisting vegetation tracts. In particular habitat area 5contains a very important vegetated corridor along acreek line to habitat area 8.


Refer to Figure 10b. Habitat area 5 contains mostlyareas with moderate habitat value. GHD did notconduct surveys in this habitat area. However,numerous koala sightings have been recordedindicating low density populations.




Statutory intent

Located within the ‘regional landscape andrural production area’ under the SEQRegional plan

Refer to Figure 11a. This habitat area is classified as‘regional landscape and rural production area’.


Despite relatively low densities recorded in this area,at the local scale this area is an important source anddispersal area.

Large areas of relatively intact remnantregrowth or eucalypt-dominated forest andwoodland

Refer to Figure 11b. Area contains small – mediumvegetation tracts, which link into proposed UKAs andproposed KLAs.

Areas may include cleared areas andareas of fragmented forest and woodlands

Refer to Figure 11b. This area includes vegetatedpatches amongst cleared areas of agricultural landwith scattered patches and corridors of suitablehabitat.


Refer to Figure 11d. This area represents highconnectivity due to the important vegetation links thatare captured between proposed UKAs and proposedKLAs.


Despite relatively low densities recorded in this area(0-0.2 koalas ha-1), on a local scale this area containsimportant koala habitat. Koala habitat value reflectsgood connectivity between adjacent habitat areas vialarger vegetation tracts than in other parts of the LGA.

Habitat contains a mosaic of private lands,public lands and park estate with limitedinfrastructure or urban development

Refer to Figure 11c. Area includes public and privatelands as well as Freshwater National Park.

Table 12 Justification for habitat area 7 to be identified as a Koala Living Area


Non-statutory intent GHD recommends using local government planninginstruments and mechanisms to protect habitatvalues, consistent with intent of the Koala Plan..

Located within either the ‘RegionalLandscape and Rural Production’; ‘RuralLiving Area’ or ‘Urban Footprint’ under theSEQ Regional Plan

Refer to Figure 12a. This habitat area is located withthe Urban Footprint classification in the SEQ RegionalPlan.

Area may support small bushland areas,vegetated creek lines, parks, scatteredtrees, residential areas with landscaped

Refer to Figure 12a. Vegetation occurs predominantlyin backyards and parks.



gardens and cleared areas

Area is known to support pockets ofhighly fragmented koala habitat and/orlower density koala population

Refer to Figure 12b. Numerous koala sightings havebeen recorded in this area and there is suitablefragmented vegetation. This area represents animportant link between proposed adjacent koalahabitat areas with higher habitat values. Councilefforts should target rehabilitating vegetationcorridors.

Area may be highly urbanised with a highlevel of infrastructure provision or belocated in a highly modified rural or semirural environment

Area is highly urbanised.



Statutory intent

Located within the ‘regional landscapeand rural production area’ under the SEQRegional plan

Refer to Figure 13a. This habitat area is classified as‘regional landscape and rural production area’.


Due to the high densities recorded by GHD in thisarea, on a local scale this area is a critical source areafor koalas.


Refer to Figure 13b. Area only contains smallvegetation tracts, which link into proposed UKAs.

Areas may include cleared areas andareas of fragmented forest and woodlands

Refer to Figure 13b. This area has vegetated patchesincluding a large area of golf course.


Refer to Figure 13d. This area represents relativelypoor connectivity between patches. The area isadjacent to current KLAs and proposed UKAs.However, this area is a locally critical source area foradjacent koala habitat areas.


Refer to Figure 13b. GHD recorded very high koaladensities in this area (0.7 koalas ha-1).

Habitat contains a mosaic of privatelands, public lands and park estate withlimited infrastructure or urbandevelopment

Refer to Figure 13c. Area includes mostly public landswith some small areas of private land.


4. Discussion & Recommendations

4.1 Status of Koala PopulationThe densities of koalas obtained for the sites surveyed varied across the region. Koala densities weregenerally recorded higher in Pine Rivers and Redcliffe LGAs in bushland areas close to the UrbanFootprint, as defined in the SEQ Regional Plan. No koalas were observed at survey sites in the northwestern part of Caboolture LGA or the western part of Pine Rivers LGA. Signs of koalas (scratches &pellets) were found at a number of these sites, suggesting the presence of koalas and suitability ofhabitat indicating very low densities.

The sex ratios and reproductive status of koalas across the three LGAs was determined from observingindividuals encountered during surveys (both urban and bushland). The female bias reported in Section3, is consistent with the findings of other studies in the SEQ region (Dique 2004). While greater than 60%of females in bushland areas were observed to have young, the relative low proportion of adult femaleswith young in urban survey sites is of immediate concern. Such low reproductive output is likely to havesubstantial consequences to the future recruitment of koalas in urban areas. These areas generallyprovide habitat to populations most under threat from further habitat loss, vehicle strikes and dog attacks.With respect to population health, very few koalas were observed to exhibit signs of chlamydial infection.This is in contrast to recent trends of observed increases in disease rates reported for koala populationsthroughout the region (EPA 2007).

4.2 Comparisons with Other Regional Koala PopulationsPrevious koala surveys have been undertaken in Pine Rivers and in the Koala Coast (Dique et al. 2003a,Dique 2004) in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In 2005/06, surveys were repeated by the EPA at theKoala Coast (EPA 2007). Perhaps the most alarming outcomes from the most recent surveys is thereported decline in abundance of 26% in the Koala Coast (EPA 2007).

While the surveys conducted in Caboolture and Redcliffe LGAs do not have previous survey data forcomparison, this is not the case for Pine Rivers Shire. Of the 22 sites surveyed in Pine Rivers in 2001, 18sites were surveyed for this study. The percentage change between recently recorded koala densitiesand those reported in 2001 indicates a substantial decrease in koala densities across the Shire. In urbanareas, the average percentage decline in observed koala density was in the order of 45% and 15% atbushland sites. This, in combination with the reported decline in koala abundance in the Koala Coast,indicates that there is potential for decline of a number of important koala populations across SEQ. Thisprovides evidence that the vulnerable listing is more than justified, and that the current managementregime to protect koalas in SEQ is not adequate, and that the precautionary approach should apply tofuture conservation efforts and be more inclusive rather than exclusive.

4.3 Applications of the Proposed Koala Habitat MappingThe Koala Plan identifies three main categories of koala habitat areas: KCA, KSA and UKA. According tothe Koala Plan, KSA and UKA can only be mapped within Rural Living Areas or the Urban Footprint, asdescribed by the SEQ Regional Plan. Therefore, the only option to map important koala habitat areasoutside of these designations is a KCA.


KCAs have statutory intent. They represent areas of important koala habitat that are a source for thesurvival and dispersal of koalas across the landscape. These areas generally contain high koala habitatvalues and/or densities relative to the LGA and can comprise a combination of larger, relatively intactremnant patches, cleared areas and areas of fragmented forest.

While the Koala Plan identifies two koala habitat categories within the Urban Footprint, it only identifiesone category within the Regional Landscape, that being KCA. Provision for only one koala habitatcategory outside of the Urban Footprint is one of the key failings of the Koala Plan. For example, with adensity of 0.7 koalas ha-1 , the second highest recorded for the study, identified habitat area 8 in Redcliffeas an important koala source population for the LGA, but this area does not meet all of thecharacteristics of a KCA as described by the Koala Plan. The habitat area provides important linkagesbetween vegetation patches locally, but the vegetation area is not ‘large’ as defined by the Koala Planand therefore does not meet all the characteristic requirements of a KCA. Based on a density estimate of0.7 koalas ha-1 alone, the area must be considered vitally important in a local context.

UKAs are located within Rural Living Areas and the Urban Footprint, as described the SEQ RegionalPlan. They have statutory intent and include areas that contain low to medium density koala populationswithin an urban matrix. In this study, surveys of remnant patches of vegetation within the UrbanFootprint, surveys of urban areas, sighting data and the mapping of vegetation linkages have allcontributed to the proposed mapping of UKAs across the three LGAs. Based on this information, theproposed UKAs are considered appropriate.

KLAs generally maintain pockets of highly fragmented koala habitat and/or low density populations. Itgenerally comprises small bushland areas, vegetated creek lines, scattered trees, residential areas oflandscaped gardens and cleared areas. The current koala habitat mapping by the EPA, maps a numberof patches of KLA that are restricted to within the Urban Footprint and Rural Living Area of the SEQRegional Plan. However these are non-statutory and are not displayed on Koala Habitat Maps.

Under the Koala Plan, KLAs cannot be identified within the local planning scheme. However, mappingoverlays that identify important areas for koalas can be identified and the management of vegetation andproposed future development within these zones can be assessed against local planning codes, locallaws or other mechanisms, which carry the same intent as the Koala Plan. The control of certainactivities in KLAs by the LGAs has the potential to benefit local koala populations. This approach, incombination with state wide vegetation protection under the VMA, and considering the conservationestate network in the study area, has the potential to protect a large proportion of koala habitat in thethree LGAs.

The proposed mapping of KLAs has been prepared with the aim of highlighting areas that should be thefocus of vegetation rehabilitation efforts to provide linkages between habitat areas of higher conservationvalue. The locations of the mapped habitat areas correspond to areas with koala sightings or evidenceconsidered to be located between other areas such as UKAs, proposed new habitat area mapping,remnant vegetation patches and forest reserves.

Linkages between habitats and koala populations play an important role in the ongoing sustainability ofthe species in the region. They allow for necessary movement to maintain genetic diversity, provide foodresources and refuge from threatening processes.

In developing local planning mechanisms to protect KLAs, the intent of the Koala Plan should beconsidered. A review of the criteria applied to certain types of development within the Koala Plan would


provide a valuable guide to potential inclusions and management measures for any local laws or policydevelopment initiatives.

The key recommendation of this project is for negotiations between Caboolture, Pine Rivers andRedcliffe Councils and the EPA to commence in relation to the habitat areas proposed in this report.GHD understands that although the Koala Plan describes characteristics for classification of koalahabitat, serious consideration should be given to interpreting how proposed changes in mapping aredefined.

4.4 Project LimitationsAs with any scientific investigation, limitations related to sample size occur. This project was undertakenbased on one seasons survey event (with the exception of Pine Rivers Shire) and the project was limitedto a number of survey sites. While the survey effort required to undertake investigations at 38 sites issubstantial, only a small proportion of the 207,000 ha of the study area was sampled. It must berecognised that there is often a trade-off between sampling effort and financial outlay. Despite this, GHDconsiders the approaches and techniques used in the survey design (including surveys and additionalrelevant data) sufficient to provide the level of information required to propose changes in koala habitatmapping to facilitate negotiations between EPA and the three LGAs.

Also, it must be recognised that the currency of koala sighting data and the extrapolation of densityinformation from study sites to larger areas has its limitations. GHD have used previous experience andvegetation data overlays in combination with field and koala sighting data to generate cadastarally basedmapping for the study area. As the approach considers the mapping within the context of the study area,some limitations may occur at the local or individual property level, where site specific koala values maybe lower, or higher, than the proposed mapping suggests. As has been discussed previously, theprecautionary approach has been applied to be more inclusive of areas from a regional perspective,rather than exclusive.


5. References

Buckland S.T., Anderson, D.R., Burnham, K.P., and Laake, J.L. (1993). Distance Sampling: EstimatingAbundance of Biological Populations. Chapman and Hall, London.

Caughley G. and Sinclair A. (1994). Wildlife Ecology and Management. Blackwell Science, Cambridge.

Dique D.S., de Villiers D.L. and Preece H.J. (2003a). Evaluation of line transect sampling for estimatingkoala abundance in the Pine Rivers Shire, south-east Queensland. Wildlife Research 30, 419-426.

Dique D.S., de Villiers D.L. and Preece H.J. (2003b). Koalas in Pine Rivers Shire: Distribution,abundance and Management. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Brisbane.

Dique D.S. (2004) The Distribution, Abundance and Dynamics of a Regional Koala Population in South-East Queensland. Thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, University of Queensland, StLucia, Brisbane.

Dique, D.S., Preece, H.J., Thompson, J. and de Villiers D.L. (2004). Determining the distribution andabundance of a regional koala population in south-east Queensland for conservation management.Wildlife Research 31, 109-117.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (2007) Report on Koala Coast Surveys 2005-2006. Accessedonline (February 2008):http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/publications/p02181aa.pdf/Report_on_Koala_Coast_koala_surveys_20052006.pdf

EPA (2006) The Nature Conservation (Koala) Conservation Plan 2006 and Management Program 2006-2016. Queensland Government – Environmental Protection Agency.

Sattler, P.S. and Williams, R.D. (eds) (1999). The Conservation Status of Queensland’s BioregionalEcosystems. Published by Environmental Protection Agency, Brisbane.

http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/publications/p02181aa.pdf/Report_on_Koala_Coast_koala_surveys_2005200


Appendix A


GHD Pty Ltd ABN 39 008 488 373

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© GHD Pty Ltd 2008

This document is and shall remain the property of GHD Pty Ltd. The document may only be used for thepurposes for which it was commissioned and in accordance with the Terms of Engagement for thecommission. Unauthorised use of this document in any form whatsoever is prohibited.

Document Status

Reviewer Approved for IssueRevNo. Author

Name Signature Name Signature Date

0 Chris Lane David Dique David Dique 01/05/08

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