MINISTER WELCOMES FEEDBACK ON KOALA MAPPING

Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability
The Honourable Kate Jones
25/02/2010
MINISTER WELCOMES FEEDBACK ON KOALA MAPPING
 
Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Kate Jones has welcomed feedback on the State Government's koala planning instruments and mapping and urged people who have not yet done so to have their say.

"Submissions close this week so I really urge councils, industry and the community to get their comments in," Ms Jones said.

"Currently the issue is being debated by all sides, with some stakeholders saying our proposals go too far, while others think they do not go far enough.

"But time is fast running out to make a formal contribution to this process."

Ms Jones said the koala habitat mapping was released on 28 July last year and public consultation on the draft planning instruments has been underway since October with 68 submissions received so far.

"There has been a lot of public comment on our proposals, but we really need councils and other interest groups to take part in the consultative process so we can take proper account of their views.

"As part of that process, councils were invited to provide individual mapping, including sightings data and mapping information. Meetings with councils is continuing.

"The Koala Habitat Values mapping was done by independent consultants GHD and overseen by a group of nationally recognised koala scientists.

"The quality of the mapping has been recognised at both a national and international level, most recently taking out the Environment and Sustainability Award at the 2009 Asia-Pacific Spatial Excellence Awards."

Ms Jones said the mapping of koala habitat was a key recommendation of the Koala Taskforce, established in 2008, which includes local government representatives.

Submissions can be made by visiting www.derm.qld.gov.au.