Planting food farms for koalas

What began as a school project now feeds sick and injured koalas throughout the City of Logan, as well as teaching students they can truly make a difference.

A student project for a ‘koala fodder farm’ of eucalypt seedlings has now sprouted into reality on the grounds of Yarrabilba State Secondary College.

Chris Gauthier, the school’s Ecology and Sustainability Academy teacher, says each koala feeds on 6 to 10 branches of leaves every day so there needs to be a constant supply.

Yarrabilba students have already helped plant hundreds of eucalypts, including 200 trees recently funded by a Logan City Council EnviroGrant to buy soil, fertiliser and seedlings.

‘The first location started in 2021 now has about 300 trees, and is already used by Wildcare Australia to harvest branches from there,’ Chris says.

‘We also have 150 trees at the back of the oval, and will have more areas.

‘The important thing we are teaching students as well, is that they can step up and do something through their actions at school at the fodder farm.’

The farm idea has also been shared with Cedar Creek State School and Flagstone State Community College.

Also a Wildcare volunteer and wildlife rescuer with a degree in Zoology, Chris teaches the 3 main reasons local koalas are under threat – from disease, vehicle strikes and dogs.

‘It’s now koala breeding season and the dispersal of last year’s joeys that are on the move,’ Chris says.

‘So be mindful between dusk and dawn of koalas crossing roads, keep dogs in at
night or contained outside, and have fences that give a way out of the yard.’

Report sick/injured wildlife: Wildcare Australia 5527 2444 or RSPCA 1300 264 625

Information on koalas in City of Logan: Koala – Logan City Council

Photo at top: Yarrabilba State Secondary College teacher Chris Gauthier helps his student plant the koala fodder farm.