Queensland Koala Crusaders

Queensland Koala Crusaders is an incorporated association dedicated to improving koala conservation outcomes. Its mission is to be “a voice for the koala”. The group’s formation came on the back of the Sunshine Coast Koala Summit 2012.

Foundation members were drawn from existing groups already operating in SEQ: Koala Action Inc. (formerly known as Koala Action Pine Rivers), Moreton Bay Koala Rescue and Koala Diaries.

Our founding members have a strong track record of action in respect to koala conservation activities. Our efforts include: \* Operating the 24/7 Moreton Bay Koala Rescue (volunteer) service \* Assisting with the co-ordination of the “Save the Koala” rally in Brisbane in 2009 - approximately 2000 people participated, including a strong contingent from the Sunshine Coast \* Launching Koala Diaries’ “Project Location” Koala Sighting Census – established in 2010, this was a first in terms of integrating GIS technology with community engagement to record the occurrence of a single species in Queensland. \* Conducting koala education and awareness workshops. \* Undertaking guest speaker engagements with schools and community groups. \* Producing an award-winning koala conservation documentary and supporting other multi-media endeavours, including koala feature stories on 60 Minutes, National Geographic (global issue) and the Discovery Channel. \* Undertaking koala food tree planting. \* Some members care for orphaned koalas in their homes. \* Lobbying local, state and federal governments. \* Working collaboratively with and as part of expert groups, including the Koala Research Network and the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. \* Being called as “expert witnesses” at the Senate Inquiry into the Status, health and sustainability of Australia’s koala population in 2011. \* Organising and presenting the Sunshine Coast Koala Summit 2012.