Wolston’s industries help protect endangered koalas

More injured and sick koalas are receiving life-saving care thanks to a new humane trap designed and manufactured by prisoners at Wolston Correctional Centre.

Five new traps have been designed and manufactured by prisoners in the industry workshop at Wolson to support the RSPCA and non-profit charities like the Ipswich Koala Protection Society.

The traps allow wildlife rescuers to safely capture and transport the endangered species for medical care and rehabilitation while minimizing stress.

Peter Luker, Correctional Supervisor at Wolston and President of the Ipswich Koala Protection Society said the new traps had been shared across the Ipswich, Lockyer Valley and other southeast Queensland groups so far, helping increase koala rescues by more than 60 per cent.

“During koala trauma season, when they are moving around to mate and are more at risk of being injured, we have been using the new traps three or four times a week and they have really made our rescues more effective,” Peter said.

“Every koala we rescue and rehabilitate is eventually released back to their habitat to breed and re-build the population, so we are very grateful for the support in helping us get koalas off the endangered list.”

After being approached for assistance, Wolston trade instructors worked with prisoners to design a trap that is safer and less traumatic for the koalas. The traps are collapsable for easy transport and use the koala’s weight on a pressure plate to activate the door, safely containing them.

Trade Instructor Darren said the prisoners working on the traps not only came away with new, employable skills but also a sense of pride giving back to the community.

“The prisoners in the workshop love doing these types of jobs, building their vocational skills and knowing they are making positive contributions to society,” Darren said.

“The skill sets we are teaching here in the workshop can take them in the right direction so that when they leave, we don’t see them back.”

RSPCA Queensland Wildlife Operations Manager Jo Jordaan said the support from QCS meant they could help more koalas, particularly during breeding season.

“The Wildlife Hospital at Wacol treated over 600 koalas last year, and unfortunately we are already on the way to seeing more this year,” Jo said.

“Here in Queensland, koalas are endangered so it is amazing to have these new traps that really help our rescue teams improve our service. The traps are super handy to capture injured or sick koalas with as little stress as possible.

“September was Save the Koala Month, and it’s timely to remind people how important koalas are to Australia and why it is essential we are able to help them.”