As a part of her final campaign announcement in the lead up to this month’s state election, LNP candidate for Springwood Kirrily Boulton said if elected, an LNP government would invest $150,000 in the Daisy Hill Koala Centre.
The funding would go towards improving park facilities and funding koala disease research.
She has also made it clear that under the LNP, no road will cut through the Daisy Hill Koala Conservation Park.
“Sadly, koala numbers continue to dwindle, and we can never allow a major road project right through this precious habitat,” Ms Boulton said.
“The LNP knows that this area is precious to local residents and there is no way we will ever build a road through here.
“We have a plan for the second M1 which will go from Stapleton to Nerang.
“It definitely won’t go through Daisy Hill and it absolutely won’t go through the Eagleby Wetlands either, which is part of the current government’s plan.”
Ms Boulton made the funding announcement at the Daisy Hill Koala Centre Friday (October 16).
“Koalas have always been a focus for local residents, but they should also play a role in tourism, given our abundance of national parks and conservation areas,” she continued.
“With improved interpretive facilities, increased car parking, and a partnership with local food truck operators, the LNP will ensure the Daisy Hill Koala Centre delivers better community amenity and education, along with eco-tourism income for locals.
“Hospitality and ecotourism businesses in Logan and the Redlands are hurting badly.
“This would be an immediate boost with a high quality visitor experience at Daisy Hill Koala Centre.”
Ms Boulton said she also had hopes this would fix local parking issues.
“Residents tell me the streets around Daisy Hill Conservation Park are overrun with cars on weekends,” she said.
“We will work with the council to address residents’ requests for more car parking within the Park, to maintain liveability of the local area.”
Ms Boulton said the LNP is passionate about preserving koalas in Queensland.
“We will also contribute to the research efforts to understand and prevent the diseases that are causing our koala populations to shrink,” she said.
“Improvements to the interpretive centre will educate and inform our community so that together we can protect koalas and restore the pride of place they once had in Daisy Hill.”
