Tree-mendous effort for Magnetic Island koala hospital

 Pictured L-R : Adam Baillie MP, Member for Townsville, Kacey Constantine, Principal Magnetic Island State School, Dr Ali Bee, Magnetic Island Koala Hospital,

Helen Manski, Townsville City Council, Izzy Bee, Izzy’s Koala World

Member for Townsville, Adam Baillie has joined Magnetic Island State School students to plant nearly 200 eucalyptus trees, boosting vital food supplies for the sick and injured koalas being cared for at the Magnetic Island Koala Hospital (MIKH).

The new tree site means the existing plantation at Horseshoe Bay will have an opportunity to rejuvenate.

Mr Baillie said although the new trees will take around 3 to 4 years to reach maturity, the project gives the Koala Hospital confidence that a future-ready supply of nutritious foliage is on the way.

“Dr Bee and her team treat around five koalas a day, which means the facility needs to source around 15 kilos of quality leaves to keep up with their hungry patients.

“This new plantation provides a secure a sustainable food source for MIKH and it is a great initiative between the koala hospital, the school and Townsville City Council,” Mr Baillie said.

“You can see how projects like this can inspire students and give them a sense of pride that they are doing their bit for the environment.

“It is also a reminder that even the smallest hands can make a big difference for Magnetic Island’s koalas,” Mr Baillie said.

The plantation will feature a rich mix of koala-friendly species including:

• Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Red Gum)

• Eucalyptus microcorys (Tallowwood)

• Eucalyptus tereticornis (Blue Gum)

• Corymbia intermedia (Pink Bloodwood)

• Corymbia erythrophloia (Variable-barked Bloodwood)

• Corymbia clarksoniana

• And the koala favourite, Corymbia/Eucalyptus robust