Sept2012_Dear Editor 2

Sunshine Coast Koala Summit
Just thought I would let you know that the Sunshine Coast Koala Summit held on 7th and 8th August 2012 was highly successfully.

Scientists and researchers from the Koala Research Network, Gold Coast City Council, University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, Koala Research Centre of Central Qld and Endeavour Veterinary Ecology presented illuminating and informative papers.
Ongoing research on the health and status of Queensland’s koalas and management practices was provided along with the latest information on Chlamydia and KoRV.  Representatives from the Sunshine Coast Council, Redlands Council, Ipswich Council and Somerset Council attended.
Although invitations were sent, Moreton Bay Regional Councillors and representatives from the Council were conspicuously absent.  This disappointing behaviour leads me to believe the koala is clearly not considered to be of value in Moreton Bay nor does it warrant the attention of bureaucrats responsible for their survival. 
Perhaps its up to local residents to let the MBRC know that the vulnerable koala is of concern and efforts should be made to learn as much as possible about ways to ensure the sustainability of the koala population in our region.
Vanda Grabowski
Secretary and Education Officer,
Koala Action Pine Rivers Inc.
Secretary, Moreton Bay Koala Rescue Inc.