Reforesting koala habitat with recycled water

Reforesting koala habitat with recycled water

By Pamela Jolly  October 13th, 2022

A patch of reforestation next to the Helidon Resource Recovery Centre is growing into what Urban Utilities hopes will be prime real estate for koalas using recycled water in Queensland’s Lockyer Valley. 

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The reforestation of old farmland near the centre first started in 2019 when Urban Utilities planted 1,600 blue gums, silver-leaf ironbark and Moreton Bay ash seedlings on site. The plantings and regenerated habitat were so successful that an additional 1,200 seedlings have been planted in 2022.

The planting effort began in “one of the driest years on record and, thanks to recycled water, those trees have survived drought and are already around five metres high,” said Cameron Jackson, Environment Water Quality Futures Specialist for Urban Utilities.

The consistent growth of the trees can be attributed to the sustainable watering system that irrigates the trees using recycled water from the facility. Even in drought, the growing habitat will be able to thrive using its own independent reliable source of water.

“This agroforestry project is a great example of how we’re finding ways to manage water more sustainably, by using it more than once,” said Jackson.

In just five years the total habitat in Helidon has grown to around seven hectares and has already attracted birds, lizards and wallabies. Jackson hopes it will attract local koala populations as the trees become more established.

Reforested land from above showing section of new tree growth

Reforested land from above showing section of new tree growth

The reclassification of koalas from vulnerable to endangered and the release of Australia’s threatened species action plan in 2022 have highlighted the need for more focused efforts like these to create and maintain habitat that provides native food and shelter.

What you can do to help native species in your community

  • Build natural habitats for animals by filling your garden with native flowers, shrubs and plants.
  • Read the Tree Talk report with other stories of communities building habitat. 
  • Visit a wild place or national park and share the fun with friends. Parks and natural sanctuaries need support to stay open.
  • If you’re lucky enough to live in an area frequented by koalas, learn these simple tips on how you can help keep them safe.
  • Planet Ark does not take responsibility for the accuracy of the original information and encourages readers to check the references before using this information for their own purposes.

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    Pamela Jolly

    Pamela is a Marketing Communications professional with over 10 years experience working for both agencies and organisations in communications, travel, finance and retail industries. Pamela loves to be in nature riding a bike, skiing, appreciating the trees at her local park or exploring wild places abroad with her family.

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