Helping sick or injured native wildlife

The law protects all native animals. It is illegal to handle native animals without a licence. This means you cannot keep, raise, or rehabilitate native wildlife like koalas, kookaburras, or lorikeets.

Only registered individuals and wildlife rescue groups can care for native animals. They ensure sick or injured animals get proper care before releasing them back into the environment.

What to do if you find sick or injured wildlife

If you find an injured animal you should:

• put your safety first
• check that the environment around you is free of risks
• if safe, contain the animal in a box, cage or pillowcase
• contact a registered wildlife rescue group or carer.

Never handle flying foxes or bats

They may carry the Australian bat lyssavirus or Hendra virus. You may become infected if they scratch or bite you. If this occurs, seek medical treatment immediately.

Wildlife rescue groups around Moreton Bay

Contact a wildlife carer or rescue group if you find sick or injured wildlife. They will send a specialised, vaccinated, and trained rescuer to attend.

Wildlife rescue groups that service Moreton Bay are:

• RSPCA Wildlife Hospital
• Pine Rivers Koala Care
• Moreton Bay Koala Rescue
• Koala Rescue Queensland
• Wildlife Rescue Queensland
• Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
• Bat Conservation and Rescue QLD Inc.

Deceased animals on powerlines, public land, and main roads

Council will remove deceased animals from Council-owned roads, parks, and footpaths. Council may remove large native animals like kangaroos from private property. If you unfortunately find a deceased animal contact Council.

If a deceased animal is on a main road, highway or other state-controlled road contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads on 13 19 40.

Energex will remove animals from powerlines and leave them for Council to collect. You can report wildlife caught on powerlines by contacting Energex on 13 12 53.

How Council supports wildlife carers and rescue groups

Wildlife fodder plantations

Fodder plantations are groves of native and flowering trees and shrubs. These trees are grown to feed sick and injured wildlife. 

Because of regular harvesting, these plants can look different to the plants you see in natural habitats.

Harvesting from fodder plantations

Only approved organisations and individuals can harvest from the groves. If you would like approval, contact Council. 

Location of fodder plantations

There are four locations in Moreton Bay.

CREEC eucalyptus fodder plantation

• 50 Rowley Road, Burpengary
• This grove has 12 species of eucalyptus
• View an aerial map(JPG, 329KB)

Madeline Drive eucalyptus fodder plantation

• 495 Oakey Flat Road, Morayfield
• This grove has 19 species of eucalyptus
• View an aerial map(JPG, 116KB)

Mcillwraith Road fodder plantation

• 3-14 Mcillwraith Road, Joyner
• This grove has 12 species of eucalyptus and 18 varieties of flowering and fruiting trees
• View an aerial map(JPG, 162KB)

Mondial Drive fodder plantation

• 20 Mondial Drive, Warner
• This grove is currently in its establishment phase and cannot be harvested
• View an aerial map(JPG, 107KB)

Conditions of harvesting

• You must get approval from Council before harvesting.
• Vehicles are not permitted on Council land.
• You must follow the signs that show how to harvest correctly.
• Take what you need. Several wildlife care organisations use Council's fodder plantations.
• Do not overharvest trees, 30% of the crown must remain.
• Take all the cut branches with you when you leave. Discarded branches can be a trip hazard.