click here to download PDF Koalas  The koalas of Stradbroke Island are a genetically distinct population. Despite their significance, island koalas were left out of successive State koala protection plans. Only in 2008, with mainland koalas in South-East Queensland facing extinction, were government departments ready to acknowledge the need to safeguard the island population. Coincidentally, many island koalas cluster in areas where people live, exposing them to dangers from dogs, and also near the main road, exposing them to dangers from vehicles. More knowledge of Stradbroke koalas is needed, and protection measures. (28KB)
click here to download PDF Water  Beneath Stradbroke Island is an extensive aquifer; its precise capacity is unknown. The aquifer (also called groundwater) takes the form of water held in suspension in sand. It is like an invisible dam. Water is pumped to supply the three island townships (plus 400,000+ visitors annually), the mainland, and the sandmining operations. Excessive pumping could result in saltwater intrusion, permanently polluting the resource. The hydrology of the island's, lakes, creeks, springs and wetlands is interrelated and only partially understood. (88KB)
click here to download PDF National Parks  Stradbroke Island has just one tiny area of National Park: Blue Lake. Even though the government has identified the greater part of the island as future National Park, the declaration has not happened yet. The island needs many special areas to be included in order to ensure that significant flora and fauna are protected, habitat corridors are maintained and extended and public access is made available to Stradbroke's beautiful landscapes and places that are currently off-limits as they are under mining leases. (28KB)
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