The much-loved symbol of Australian wildlife is at risk in Sydney’s south-west. Photo: Environment and Heritage, NSW Government.
The NSW Government is introducing new measures in an effort to strengthen koala safety, hoping to aid in the conservation of the iconic animal, which had much of its habitat destroyed during the Black Summer bushfires.
Strategies such as fencing in planned locations prevent koalas and other wildlife from entering busy and deadly roadways. More than a kilometre of fencing is being built around Deadmans Creek, as well as Heathcote Road, St George Crescent at Sandy Point, and Pleasure Point Road at Pleasure Point in Sydney’s south-west.
Construction on the $1.9 million project is starting this month, with funding from the NSW Koala Strategy.
The koala fencing is 1.5 metres high and specifically made to be non-climbable. It will connect to existing fencing systems and wildlife crossing points underneath the road. The existing crossing point system will also be improved with the installation of repurposed logs to help koalas traverse drainage lines.
The measures come at a particularly useful time as breeding season for koalas runs from August until the end of summer, providing protection during the periods of their life cycle when they move the most.
For human transit, a modified cattle grid that prevents koala access but facilitates pedestrian activity will be added to the system, allowing people to cross without risking unsanctioned koala movement. One-way escape hatches will also be installed in the fence.
In addition, permanent koala warning signs have been installed in Heathcote Road and temporary electric signs will be deployed during the breeding season.
“The Minns Labor Government has long been committed to koala protection,” Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said.
“Vehicle strikes are both a tragedy for our threatened wildlife and a safety hazard for motorists, so we need to do more to prevent them through thoughtful improvements to our road infrastructure.”
A koala underpass with a concrete rectangular tunnel and logs will be built around Appin Road at Ousedale Creek in Sydney’s west, further increasing koala safety.
To the south, 3.5 kilometres of new wildlife fencing is to be added to each side of Picton Road at Cataract, between the Cordeaux Dam Road and the Picton Road rest area, which will connect to the existing fence.
The fence extension is being installed with $6.3 million of funding under the Safer Roads Program. It is due for completion at the end of August. A grid will also be installed at Cordeaux Dam Road to deter koalas from endangering their lives on the roads.
“Koalas live with us in our suburbs and bring nature into our lives,” Minister Aitchison said. ”We have an obligation to protect them and to act as good neighbours.”
