Efforts to beat the devastating Chlamydia disease affecting the State’s koala population have taken a major step forward with the refurbishment of the Moggill Koala Rehabilitation Centre.
The modernised facility now has cutting-edge treatment and diagnostic equipment.
Minister for Environment and Science, Meaghan Scanlon visited the centre to see the first koalas get their Chlamydia vaccinations.
Ms Scanlon said that over the years the role of the centre had evolved as other specialist wildlife hospitals were developed by Australia Zoo, Currumbin Wildlife Hospital and the RSPCA.
“Together with these three wildlife hospitals, Moggill forms what is called the SEQ Wildlife Hospital Network, and for the past five years, the Government has contributed $7.5 million towards supporting this important public-private partnership,” Ms Scanlon said.
“This demonstrates the Government’s commitment to ensuring these beloved animals are not only given the help they need to survive but are also supported in their rehabilitation to ensure they can thrive.”
She said the aim was to vaccinate up to 500 koalas presenting to the Wildlife Hospital Network.
“Once the vaccine has been administered, the koalas will be returned to the wild so their health and survival can be monitored for a period of time in order to determine the efficacy in protecting the animals from future infections,” Ms Scanlon said.
“It’s vital we take care of the health of the State’s koalas as their long-term survival is under serious threat. Chlamydia can cause infertility which directly reduces reproduction and the future viability of the population.”
The centre, previously known as the Moggill Koala Hospital, was opened in November 1991 in response to public concern about the increasing number of injured and diseased koalas found in South-East Queensland.
