Nearly a century after it was established to save koalas from the fur trade, the historic Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Fig Tree Pocket is now being honoured as a leader in modern environmentalism, earning a nomination for a top business award for its trailblazing sustainability practices.
An Honour for a New Generation
The world-renowned sanctuary is a finalist in the 2025 Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Business Awards, a program that highlights organisations building the foundations of the city as it looks toward welcoming the world in 2032. Lone Pine is specifically nominated for the Dentsu Environmental Sustainability in Business Award, placing it among the city’s most forward-thinking enterprises. This recognition celebrates the sanctuary’s evolution from a simple animal refuge into a global model for innovative environmental management.
A Foundation in Conservation
The sanctuary’s deep commitment to wildlife is not a recent development. The institution was originally founded by Claude Reid in 1927 during a grim period when koalas were being culled extensively for the fur trade. Beginning with just two koalas named Jack and Jill, Reid created a safe place for the species.
The sanctuary’s name itself is a nod to local history, originating from a single, towering hoop pine planted in 1867. This tree acted as a landmark for visitors arriving by boat along the Brisbane River, mooring at the ‘lone pine’. This long history of conservation has provided the groundwork for the sanctuary’s modern mission.
Pioneering a Sustainable Future
Today, that mission has expanded to address modern environmental challenges with remarkable creativity. The team at Lone Pine has implemented a series of initiatives that set global standards for sustainability. They have developed a closed-loop system for harvesting eucalyptus, ensuring zero waste.
The property has been made more resilient to drought through advanced water reuse systems, and old materials are regularly upcycled to build new infrastructure like fences and picnic tables. In a particularly creative partnership, the sanctuary provides its unused eucalyptus leaves to local Brisbane distiller BY.ARTISANS, which transforms them into a premium botanical gin, turning a waste product into a celebrated local creation.
A Mission to Inspire
These innovative practices are guided by a clear and enduring philosophy. The sanctuary’s leadership believes that to make people care about the environment, they must first experience it directly. This principle, that connection fosters conservation, is the driving force behind its interactive visitor experiences.
Internally, the entire team operates by a set of core values summarised as CATER: Communication, Accountability, Teamwork, Education, and Respect. This framework ensures that every aspect of the sanctuary, from animal care to guest services, is aligned with its vision of inspiring communities to live in balance with the natural world, honouring a legacy that began almost 100 years ago.
Published Date 02-October-2025
