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Koala Diaries Blog

Koala Diaries brings together researchers, conservation efforts and government agencies to collaborate on more informed policies to protect the koala, under threat of extinction from urban development, loss of habitat and disease. This blog provides a vital role in community education and engagement in the issues, challenges and achievements in saving the koala. RSS

Senate Inquiry sounds a dire warning

Carolyn Beaton - Saturday, May 07, 2011

This week I had the privilege of attending the Senate Inquiry hearing in Brisbane, held for the purpose of investigating the status, health and sustainability of Australia’s koala population.  I was one of 21 witnesses called to give evidence, and I therefore had the opportunity to explain the premise of Koala Diaries, and my thoughts on a number of the contentious issues relating to the management of koalas and their bushland habitat.   More

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Only in Queensland? Just 17 percent of National Parks and protected areas have a management plan

Carolyn Beaton - Friday, October 22, 2010

OK, I know I’m a bit like a stuck record when it comes to Noosa’s koalas – and particularly the koalas of the Noosa National Park.  But as grim as the situation is here, it comes to light that this is just symptomatic of a much bigger problem in Queensland - an admission by the Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Kate Jones, that only 98 of the 576 parks and protected areas under the care of the Department of Environment and Resource Management have a management strategy. More

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Happy “Save the Koala” Day – but there’s not much to celebrate

Carolyn Beaton - Friday, September 24, 2010

Today is Save the Koala Day, in Save the Koala Month. More

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Reality bites

Carolyn Beaton - Sunday, July 25, 2010

I was interested to stumble across a letter written to the editor of the New York Times in 1992.  It was an attempt to water down an earlier report in that very reputable publication that the koala was in dire trouble and on the fast track to extinction.  The letter was sent by a Mr Christopher Sweeney, Counsellor, Public Affairs at the Australian Embassy in Washington at that time. More

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The Problem with Disease is that it Spreads

Alex Harris - Monday, July 12, 2010

Member, Kathryn Kermode, has made a valuable contribution to Koala Diaries. She has watched and documented a colony of koalas in her neighbourhood of Kyogle for some time now. Kathryn keeps a record on her own website, and now does so via Koala Diaries as well. This brings insight to the health of koalas on a regional basis, rather than along state or electoral boundaries.  More

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Pan Da should not be forgotten

Carolyn Beaton - Sunday, June 27, 2010

In a week when the nation’s media was focussed on political events in Canberra, another news story went almost unnoticed. More

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A Tribute to Carers

Alex Harris - Saturday, June 12, 2010

I am not a koala carer. Our website, Koaladiaries.com.au is born of the realisation that I am in the majority, knowing very little about the koala. Already it has taught me so much about this truly wonderful animal. I have learned from people around the country submitting sightings with details such as "sitting in a Jacaranda", "swimming from Rabbit Island to Newry Island" and more.  More

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We've been busy

Alex Harris - Sunday, May 09, 2010

You might not have heard much about Koala Diaries in the press lately, but we have been busy with our heads down. But before I tell you what’s new and of interest, I have to say thank you. More

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People v Powerlink

Alex Harris - Saturday, April 10, 2010

Does the Powerlines Action Group Eumundi (PAGE) really have a case against Powerlink, the government corporation responsible for the construction and maintenance of high voltage transmission lines? There is no question the quality of power supply to the northern end of the Sunshine Coast and hinterland is sub-standard and on the plus side, new high voltage transmission lines will smooth the spikes. On the negative, it will also deliver the infrastructure necessary for the government's desired doubling of population in the area. But wait, there's more... More

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Koala orphans - courtesy Anika Lehmann, Moreton Bay Koala Rescue

Carolyn Beaton - Monday, February 01, 2010

Here Anika kindly shares with us the stories of orphaned koala joeys she has cared for recently.   We'll catch up with Anika for a progress report soon. More

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