160 trees planted for koalas at Uki

20 November 2023

Koalas at Uki have more of a chance of survival thanks to 160 koala habitat trees recently planted at the newly-opened Uki Mountain Bike Park, thanks to students from Bilambil Public School and local organisation Saving Our Koalas.

The students raised $1,300 for koala food trees by making tie-dyed shopping bags out of second-hand bed sheets. The school kids not only provided habitat for endangered koalas and other native animals but took the initiative to recycle and reuse and to reduce single-use plastic bags in the environment.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) also contributed funds to match the school’s fundraising in appreciation of the effort, passion and enthusiasm shown by the students.

Bilambil Public School students with parents and a teacher, Saving Our Koalas and Tweed Valley Mountain Bike Riders Club volunteers all helped with the tree planting.

Find out more about Saving Our Koalas organisation and how you can help or find out about the Uki Mountain Bike Park.

Keep a look-out for koalas this season

As a timely reminder, koalas are most mobile at this time of year as they actively search for mates and new habitat. Help protect our iconic and endangered koalas this breeding season.

How to help koalas:

• Drive slowly in koala zones and observe signs – there may be a koala on the road.
• Contain dogs at night when koalas are most active.
• Provide a safe refuge in backyards: retain trees and install wildlife-friendly fencing.
• Report all sightings of sick, injured, distressed or dead koalas immediately to the Friends of the Koala 24/7 rescue hotline on 02 6622 1233.
• Sightings of healthy koalas can be reported on Council's website or on the Friends of the Koala website.

Find out more about the Tweed’s koalas and how Council is taking action to protect them.

Image: Some of the students from Bilambil Public School at the tree planting day at Uki Mountain Bike Park.