Community & Business
4 August, 2026
Landcare group wants koala rehabilitation precinct in Goombungee
Gomaren and Doctors Creek Catchment Landcare Group (GDCLG) is seeking approval from Toowoomba Regional Council and the Queensland Government to establish a koala rehabilitation and soft release project at Harths Road, Goombungee.
The project would provide short term care, recovery and release support for injured, displaced or recovering koalas within the region.
Koala populations locally face significant pressure from habitat fragmentation in Highfields, vehicle collisions on rural roads, dog attacks and disease.
Koala rehabilitation services in regional areas are limited and long transport distances can compromise welfare outcomes.
Goombungee is close to existing koala habitat, and such a project would enable local koalas to be released and monitored close to their home.
Authorised carers, vets and volunteers such as High Country Koala Action Group and Back to the Bush Koalas Hospital are nearby at Crows Nest and Highfields respectively.
GDCLG’s proposal is designed to remain flexible during the transition of Harths Road Open Space from Toowoomba Regional Council to the Queensland Government, ensuring compatibility with both authorities’ land use requirements and conservation priorities.
Harths Road has been chosen as the best location for the site low existing infrastructure, and natural vegetation, and adequate space from temporary, removable structures.
The project would involve temporary rehabilitation enclosures (light, movable structures designed from short-term care), soft release conditioning areas (designated zones where koalas can acclimate to natural conditions before full release), habitat restoration (progressive planting of preferred koala feed species and native under-story plants to enhance long-term habitat value) and community education.
GDCLG says it is open to:
1) A partnership or co-management model
2) Permission for temporary rehabilitation infrastructure
3) Habitat Restoration and Community Engagement
The project’s estimated cost is $34,000, including:
1) Boundary fencing - $15,000 for a surveyor, posts, wire and gates
2) Temporary rehabilitation enclosures - $5000 for lightweight movable structures, gate, shade cloth, posts and fittings
3) Soft-release conditioning areas - $3000 for temporary fencing and site preparation
4) Veterinary and welfare support - $5000 for transport crates, PPE, consumables, veterinary coordination
5) Monitoring and equipment - $1000 for cameras and signage
6) Habitat restoration - $3000 for tube stock, guards, watering and weed controls
7) Community engagement - $1500 to run workshops and printed materials.
