School holiday goers can do their bit for communities recovering from bushfires.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said communities, particularly in Stanthorpe and the Scenic Rim, welcomed tourists to help local businesses.
“There are cafes, bed and breakfasts and a host of other attractions unaffected by the fires who need people to visit,” the Premier said.
“All are within a day trip from Brisbane and the Gold Coast and they will make you feel most welcome.”
The Premier visited the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital which has been caring for the fires’ littlest casualties.
She was introduced to Maddy, a 5-year-old koala, brought in from Witheren near Nerang.
Currumbin Wildlife Hospital is one of the busiest in the world, caring for 11,000 animals every year.
Senior vet, Dr Michael Pyne, said the hospital was inundated after the fires.
“We are extremely grateful for the community’s support,” Dr Pyne said.
“The impacts of the fires are long-lasting.
“It upsets the whole balance of wildlife in those areas for 6-12 months.”
Since the bushfires started on September 4, there have been 1,781 separate blazes.
Twenty-six are still burning.
The Premier encouraged donations to the Queensland Bushfire Appeal to help those who are rebuilding their lives after the fires.
“Visiting the Currumbin Sanctuary is a great day out for tourists,” the Premier said.
“Supporting the hospital foundation is a great way of supporting the work they do saving animals like Maddy.”
