Koalas

Koala Conservation Plan
Noosa Council prioritises the conservation of koalas across the South East Queensland region. We work in partnership with the Queensland Government, neighbouring local councils, universities, and researchers to improve conservation outcomes for this endangered and iconic species.
The Noosa Koala Conservation Plan (currently under review, with the updated version to be completed in 2025) outlines a broad range of habitat protection and recovery actions. These initiatives, delivered in collaboration with our wildlife conservation partners, aim to avoid, mitigate, and offset threats to koalas across the Shire.
Until the new plan is released, you can still access the current Koala Conservation Plan(PDF, 2MB).
Koala Sightings
Council is working to improve understanding of koala populations, distribution, and threats throughout the Shire. Every sighting helps build important local knowledge to support conservation efforts.
If you see a koala, please report the sighting via the Wildwatch App:
Alternatively, you can report sightings directly to Council:
- Email: environment@noosa.qld.gov.au
- Phone: (07) 5329 6500
Injured and Sick Koalas
Koalas in the wild may be injured by vehicles, attacked by dogs, or suffer from disease. If you find an injured, sick, or deceased koala, please contact Wildcare Australia immediately.
Wildcare provides a 24/7 rescue service on behalf of Noosa Council.
Yurol Ringtail State Forests Koala Conservation Project
Key highlights of the Yurol Ringtail Conservation Project include:
- Approx. 2,400 ha of land has been added to the conservation estate in Noosa through the expansion of the Tewantin National Park. This includes former pine plantation areas which have been harvested, replanted and transitioned into National Park and koala habitat.
- This project has added regional koala habitat connectivity to Noosa’s conservation estate.
- This project has won both State and National local government awards for collaboration between many stakeholders.
- To date, over 200,000 trees have been planted, with more to come.
- The entire area has all now transitioned to National Park status.
Noosa Koala Connect Habitat Restoration Program
Noosa & District Landcare Group in partnership with Noosa Council, are working to enhance koala habitat on private land by offering subsidised restoration assistance to eligible properties. This initiative aims to create vital links between key koala habitats within the Noosa Shire, while also providing support to landowners to improve koala habitat connectivity.
For more information on the program please visit following webpage: Noosa Koala Habitat Restoration
Koala’s on the Move
Each year during the breeding season (July to December), koalas are more active and at greater risk of road strikes.
The Koalas on the Move campaign, delivered in partnership with the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation and the Department of Transport and Main Roads, aims to reduce vehicle-related koala deaths. For the past three breeding seasons, digital signs displaying “Koalas on the move. Be aware” have been installed along key roads including McKinnon Drive and Cooroy–Noosa Road. These messages help alert drivers—especially during dawn and dusk, when koalas are most active.
Koala Safety
With help from the Noosa community and guidance from koala experts, Council continues to implement strategies to protect this threatened species. Here’s how residents can contribute:
- Keep domestic animals under control at all times, particularly near bushland.
- When driving, be alert for koalas, especially in signed areas and during dawn or dusk.
- Protect koala food trees on your property.
- Get involved in local revegetation efforts such as National Tree Day.