Community News - Koala food

Meet Bertie, Forest, Snugglepot and Alyssa. These adorable koala joeys have sadly been orphaned, but with the right support they're getting a second chance! Until they're old enough to return to the wild near where they were rescued, they need some special care. In addition to a tailored milk formula, they need a selection of fresh eucalyptus leaves each day.

A 550-tree plantation in Mapleton was established in July 2023 with an amazing group of volunteers and the support of Sunshine Coast Council, local Rotaries and VB Realty. The trees will be kept low so that the fresh leaf tips - these joeys' favourite food - are easily accessible for koala carers to harvest.

This plantation needs regular upkeep, with tree maintenance and annual mulch application. The Sunshine Coast Council Environment Levy has committed some funds, however the amount will not cover the cost of transporting and spreading mulch, spraying/weeding and any further upkeep.

If you'd like to help make sure these babies get the best possible chance to thrive in nature where they belong, a GoFundMe has been set up to help cover the gap in costs and funding, gofund.me/8f06a72f.

If any local businesses would be interested in sponsoring the koala plantation, or volunteering to help to coordinate and manage the fodder plantation, please register your interest at hinterlandwildlife@gmail.com.