THE Queensland Government is buying land in Currumbin in an effort to save a national icon.

Despite Queensland Premier Campbell Newman tightening the purse strings, the government is spending $22.5 million over three years to protect koalas in Currumbin.

Currumbin MP Jann Stuckey is encouraging people interested in selling land that could be protected koala habitat to contact the government.

"Conservation of koalas is extremely important to the Newman Government and this initiative shows how serious we are about fulfilling our election commitment to protect our koalas" Ms Stuckey said.

"Koala habitat will be expanded in areas where their territory is under significant pressure, with an allocation of $22.5 million to be spent over the next three years in acquiring land.

"In three years the number of koalas treated annually at the CWS Hospital has risen from about 20 to 182 in the past year which indicates a real problem in this region."

Ms Stuckey said Environment Minister Andrew Powell should be congratulated on the initiative.

"Where possible the land will also be available for recreational use, giving the community a rare chance to see koalas in their natural habitats.

"I urge residents in the Currumbin electorate to seriously consider this opportunity and their chance to be part of real and positive action to protect koalas in South East Queensland."

The government will accept expressions of interest until October 31.