REDLANDS teens are at the creative forefront of a campaign for koala conservation.
Artworks created by high school students will be on display at Redland Performing Arts Centre until October 31 as part of the Koalas in Design art challenge, which aimed to promote the importance of koala conservation and how Redlands residents could help protect them.
"This is an innovative way of engaging students in koala conservation and their work has culminated in an exhibition this month, which is National Save the Koala Month," mayor Karen Williams said.
"The challenge encouraged students in years 7 to 12 to investigate, plan and create a design concept promoting the importance of koalas.
"We asked schools to participate in the challenge as a new way of promoting creative and innovative koala conservation ideas from local high school students, showcasing local artistic talent and acknowledging the significance of the younger generation's contribution to conservation.
"We see this as a great way to reach and engage younger residents and their schools and families in koala protection."
Students' designs are now on display at Redland Performing Arts Centre, with challenge winners to be announced soon.
"Prizes will be awarded to the winning school and student teams and council will facilitate an artist in residence to work with the overall successful school in 2020 to turn their top design into an enduring artwork for council's collection," Cr Williams said.
"This initiative encourages students to increase their understanding of koala conservation in an engaging and creative way and I encourage the community to visit RPAC during the exhibition period to see the students' designs."
Koala Action Group president Debbie Pointing told the Bulletin in July that koala breeding season will run until December, with motorists and pet owners needing to take extra caution during this time.
"Expect to see koalas in unexpected places," she said.
"The boys will be out finding mates and the younger boys are out finding new territories and mates."
Ms Pointing said dogs should be kept inside at night during breeding season so that koalas could safely cross properties.
