Flora and Fauna

Fraser Coast ecosystems and flora species

The Fraser Coast is home to an exceptionally diverse range of flora and fauna. 

There are 63 identified regional ecosystems in the region of which 30 are listed as "of concern" and 10 are considered "endangered".

Saltpan, mangroves, dunes, wetlands and swamps, vine forests and wallum health are just some of the varied ecosystems of our region.

In 2009, the Great Sandy Strait region was designated a "Man and the Biosphere Reserve" by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation. 

Fraser Coast threatened plants and animals

Rapid growth in the region continues to put pressure on many natural areas and ecosystems. 

Several local flora and fauna species are now considered vulnerable and protected by legislation.

• Rare and threatened Fraser Coast flora (PDF)
• Rare and threatened Fraser Coast fauna (PDF) 
• Threatened Species Action Plan (PDF)

Living with koalas

Wild Koalas find themselves surrounded by suburbia as trees are cleared and roads and houses built.  This means we all have a responsibility to consider the needs of koalas in our neighbourhoods and backyards.

For further information on koalas see Living with Koalas on the Fraser Coast brochure (PDF)

Have you seen koalas in the Fraser Coast region? 

We encourage residents and visitors to log all koala sightings at www.koalatracker.com.au
 
KoalaTracker is crowdsourcing the location and condition of koalas across Australia for the public record.

KoalaTracker provides evidence of the location of koala colonies on which researchers can rely to find populations to study in the wild.  

KoalaTracker's koala map is used by government agencies, by scientists, by councils and community groups, to learn more about koalas in specific areas.

• Download a koala survey and habitat assessment (PDF,2MB)

Koala corridor 

The Mary River Koala Corridor Project recognises the Mary River is significant, not only for its aquatic wildlife, but for the plants and animals that use the riverbank as a place to live and as a corridor. Find out more about the koala corridor on the Mary River (PDF). 

Birds of the Fraser Coast

The Birdwatchers of Hervey Bay have identified 300 species of bird across the Fraser Coast since 1997.

A map of the popular birdwatching areas has been included in the Birds of the Fraser Coast brochure.

This brochure is available at Council's Customer Service Centres and Visitor Information Centres.

• Download a list of the bird species in the Fraser Coast (PDF).

Native Stingless Bees

There are three species of social native stingless bees that are found on the Fraser Coast.

They live together in colonies and nests can usually be found in hollow logs and tree branches.

As their name suggests, native stingless bees are harmless to humans and form an essential part of the local ecosystem, helping to pollinate many unique wildflowers and plants.

During the warmer months, introduced European honey bees can also become very active across the Fraser Coast.

These bees are capable of delivering a powerful sting if they are disturbed and you should not attempt to move them.

If you come across a nest of any kind, don't spray the bees or attempt to remove the bees yourself, contact beekeeper Gary Naylers on 0429 051 906.

Coastal Gardens - a planting guide for the Fraser Coast region

The Coastal Gardens guide (PDF,18MB) provides simple yet inspiring garden advice for coastal residents in the Fraser Coast region.

Water-wise local native plants are suggested as attractive replacements for introduced plants that are harmful to our local coastal landscapes.