Allambi Retreat to restore more than 50 football fields of koala habitat

Allambi Retreat is protecting more than 100 acres of koala habitat, furthering conservation efforts for the endangered animal population in southeast Queensland.

Allambit Retreat property

A new community-led conservation project has started at the retreat, which received grant funding from the Australian Government under the Saving Koalas Fund, an initiative of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

The Cedar Creek events venue and private campgrounds will restore 107 acres - the equivalent of more than 50 rugby league fields - with additional eucalypt plantings, fire breaks and initiatives to increase the number of koala-friendly tree species in the area.

Allambi Retreat owner Richard Wiseman said a discrete population of koalas had made a home on the property, which forms a habitat corridor from Cedar Creek through to McDowalls Road Reserve.

“Our goal is to create a sustainable, long-term haven at Allambi Retreat for this iconic Australian animal,” he said.

“By improving their local ecosystem and extending the habitat corridor, we hope to secure their survival in our area.

“The koalas here at Allambi Retreat hold a special place in our hearts. We consider it a privilege to play our part in their protection.”

The South East Queensland Koala Conservation Strategy 2020–2025 found populations were falling across the region due to habitat loss, disease, car strikes, dog attacks and natural disasters.

It said almost three-quarters (72 per cent) of remnant core koala habitat in southeast Queensland had been cleared since 1960.

The project will involve the expansion of habitat with the planting of 1000s of native trees and shrubs that are specific to the local area.

Community volunteers, citizen scientists and local koala researchers will help plant these native species, which will create a thriving underbrush of biodiversity and provide access to the riparian forest.

Professionals will then create fire breaks with guidance from the Rural Fire Service to mitigate bushfire risk in the koala habitat.

Funding for the Allambi Retreat Koala Habitat Protection and Expansion Project was among $10 million in community grants to improve koala habitat, reduce threats, and increase understanding of koalas and diseases impacting them.

Ruby, one of the resident Koalas was rescued and released on Allambi Retreat.

Works are expected to be completed by mid-2025.

Mr Wiseman said the extensive habitat restoration would not only support the koala population but also contribute to the broader ecosystem.

“This land-conservation project will address a critical need for protected koala habitat in southeast Queensland,” he said.

“We thank the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water for partnering with us for this important project.”

For more information or to get involved in volunteer activities, email hello@allambiretreat.com.au or follow @allambiretreat to stay up to date on socials.