Plans for a koala trail between Mount Buninyong and Mount Warrenheip have been welcomed by landowners and residents.
About 30 people attended a meeting at Navigators public hall last Thursday when it was explained why planting more gums between the two mountains was a crucial step in protecting native wildlife.
Researcher Janine Duffy said while it was hard to estimate koala numbers, the project was aimed at boosting local populations of the marsupial, which is under threat nationally.
About 10,000 trees will be planted over five years.
“I’m advising all native species be planted, including red and blue gums, red stringy bark, messmate and peppermint gums,” Ms Duffy said. “Koalas need more than just one type of tree.”
Moorabool Landcare spokesman Max Coster said the project had been in the works for about seven years.
The Moorabool network has teamed with the Lal Lal Catchment and Upper Williamsons Landcare groups for the project.
“We’re now at the stage of getting support from landowners to plant on their land,” Mr Coster said.
“We have lots of dots on the map showing tree planting locations and koala sightings.”
The project is aimed at minimising the risks faced by koalas when they’re on the ground, such as being hit by cars or attacked by other animals.
“It will help them enormously, especially in summer where they seek the mountains to escape the heat,” Ms Duffy said.
“To get from one place to another they need a safe corridor. The longer they stay on the ground, the more in danger they are.
‘‘They’ll still come to the ground, but as soon as they feel in danger they’ll have a close tree to climb.”
Most trees will be planted on private land.
» Moorabool Landcare: 0409 177 461
