Redland residents are being asked to roll up their sleeves to help our koalas at this year’s Koala Community Planting, where 2000 trees will be planted to create a future home for our furry friends.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said events such as these were important to the ecological sustainability of the Redlands.

“With the most significant urban koala population in Australia, the Redlands plays an important role in koala survival nationally,” she said.

“Events such as our community planting days not only provide habitat to sustain future koala populations but also raise the profile of our much-loved, iconic species and encourage the community to do their part to save our local koalas.”

Redland City Division 9 Councillor and environmental spokesperson Paul Gleeson said Council’s Koala Community Planting event was now in its sixth year and had helped plant more than 10,000 trees for Redlands’ koala population.

“This event is part of Council’s broader Bushcare program, which planted 20,000 native plants last financial year,” Cr Gleeson said.

“These community plantings make a huge difference with past community planting locations now home to large trees that provide shelter for local koalas.”

“This event complements a number of other Council initiatives that care for koalas.  These events include an annual koala survey and the Koala Fun Run which is being held Sunday 26 May at Norm Price Park, Redland Showgrounds.”

This year the event is being sponsored by the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife.

People wanting to help with the planting should bring their own drinking water and wear appropriate sun protection and fully-enclosed shoes. All equipment will be provided.  To reward volunteer efforts, a free take-home native plant and sausage sizzle will be on offer for all who attend.

Event details:

When: Saturday 18 May 2013, 8.30am – 10.30am

Where: Creek Road Park, Parkridge Place, Birkdale; UBD Reference: Map 184 D5

For more information contact Bushcare 3824 8611