Six koalas have died in Mt Gravatt following reported fox attacks, prompting renewed calls from local groups for city officials’ intervention.
Ongoing Koala Deaths Raise Alarm in Mt Gravatt
The Queensland Koala Society has confirmed six koala deaths caused by fox attacks in the Mt Gravatt area, including one incident involving a joey. The fatalities have occurred across the forested zone near the TAFE Mount Gravatt campus and adjoining council-owned bushland.
Mounting Concerns from Local Representatives
Local official Steve Griffiths has raised concerns over the lack of BCC response to repeated incident reports from koala groups. Despite requests for assistance, local volunteers say no effective council action has been taken to address fox-related threats in the area.
BCC stated that Mr Griffiths had not previously contacted them and confirmed that pest management officers have now reached out to the TAFE campus. However, Mr Griffiths said he had written to the city authorities and raised the issue directly.
Ongoing Habitat Challenges in Mt Gravatt
The population affected is part of a group of approximately 30 koalas in Mt Gravatt. Queensland Koala Society has used monitoring cameras to capture fox movement and the aftermath of attacks. The group has also highlighted that koalas are most vulnerable when moving between trees, especially in fragmented habitats.
Fox activity has been reported across the broader Brisbane area, including suburban streets and riverbanks. Mr Griffiths noted that officers are capable and willing to respond, but reductions in council staff have affected overall capacity to manage such incidents effectively.
Previous Mitigation Measures at TAFE Campus
In 2022, koala exclusion fencing was installed at the front of the TAFE Mt Gravatt campus through a collaborative effort involving the Queensland Koala Society, TAFE Queensland, QBuild, the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training, the Mount Gravatt East Townhouse Development Action Group, and local official Corrine McMillan. The fencing was designed to keep koalas away from high-risk road corridors, such as Cavendish Road.
The fencing was designed to keep koalas away from high-risk road corridors, such as Cavendish Road.
This measure is believed to have contributed to the stability of the koala population within the campus. Recent spotter reports included sightings of up to 17 koalas in a short span, even following adverse weather conditions. These gains are now threatened by increased fox activity in surrounding bushland.
Community Frustration Builds Over Delayed Response
Community volunteers have expressed frustration at the pace of action on what they view as an urgent issue. Despite repeated communications with council representatives, including written appeals, advocates say the matter remains unresolved.
Mr Griffiths has reiterated these concerns and called on council leadership to meet with koala groups and support coordinated fox control efforts across Mt Gravatt and nearby areas.
Path Forward and Ongoing Risks
Queensland Koala Society seeks immediate BCC intervention to manage fox populations in and around Mt Gravatt. The group maintains that coordinated pest control is vital to prevent further losses within this vulnerable urban koala colony.
Published 11-Apr-2025
