Wildlife researchers say the growth of the mining industry could pose a challenge to central Queensland's koala populations.
A forum is underway in Rockhampton in central Queensland to discuss ways to ensure the survival of koalas.
Central Queensland Koala Research Centre coordinator Dr Alistair Melzer says populations in the region have been declining since the 1990s
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"With the drought through the 1990s there was widespread decline in koala numbers then, also declines associated with broadscale habitat clearing," he said.
"There's new issues there of course - the development of the coast has intensified and the number of vehicles on the roads has grown, and of course the coal mining industry as well."
Dr Melzer says he has been working with resource companies to protect koalas around mine sites.
ABC News
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