Signs alerting drivers to slow down and look out for koalas will be installed in hotspots in the Wollondilly and Liverpool areas thanks to more NSW Government funding.
Wollondilly Shire Council will use a $125,000 grant to purchase and operate four vehicle-activated warning signs at locations where koalas are most at risk of being hit by vehicles.
Liverpool City Council will use a $95,000 grant to purchase and operate a variable message sign trailer and 2 vehicle-activated warning signs at koala vehicle strike hotspots.
The signs will alert drivers to the potential presence of wildlife on the road and warn motorists to slow down. They can also show how many koalas have been hit and killed in the area this year.
Both councils plan to deploy the signs in time for the beginning of koala breeding season which runs from August to February in this area.
The funding will also be used to provide educational information to the local community on koala vehicle strike. This could include council newsletters and social media accounts, and school newsletters in the region.
Collision with vehicles is a common cause of koala injury and death. Koalas are most active in the early morning and evening so are most likely to cross roads and be hit by vehicles at these times. Koalas are especially active during the koala breeding season when males are moving around in search of new territory and mates.
Tips for drivers in koala vehicle strike hotspots:
- slow down and be more vigilant, especially at dawn and dusk
- take note of roadside signs warning koalas are in the area
- be aware of pavement treatments and rumble strips
- visit koala.nsw.gov.au/help-koalas/drive-responsibly
The NSW Government is committed to ensuring the long-term survival of koalas in the wild. These projects are part of the NSW Government's $2.73 million investment so far to protect koalas from vehicle strike in more than a dozen areas.
Quote attributable to Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Penny Sharpe:
'Koalas are iconic animals and this NSW Government funding will allow both the Liverpool and Wollondilly communities to better protect their local koala population.
'Too many of these precious animals are getting hurt on roads. These signs will make a real difference by alerting drivers to the risk as they're passing through the area.
'They'll be installed on key roads and streets in Appin, Bargo and Silverdale in Wollondilly Shire Council and Liverpool suburbs of Holsworthy, Wattle Grove and Moorebank.'
Quote attributable to Member for Liverpool Charishma Kaliyanda:
'Liverpool is proud of our healthy koala population, and we all want to see them thrive for generations to come, which is why I'm so glad the NSW Government is taking action to protect koalas.
'Investing in signs to warn drivers to slow down and look out for these special animals is a win for the conservation of the local koala population.'
Quote attributable to Wollondilly Mayor Matt Gould:
'Wollondilly is home to a healthy population of breeding koalas and council is committed to the protection of our local koalas.
'We welcome this funding from the NSW Government to help us limit the number of vehicle strikes in areas such as Appin, Wilton, Bargo and Silverdale, by warning motorists to slow down in these wildlife corridors as well as educating the community about the presence of the koalas.'
Quote attributable to Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun:
'We welcome the funding as we all love our iconic koala and want to protect this endangered, local species.'
