Flashing koala and kangaroo signs have been deployed across the Gold Coast in a bid to save animal lives after data revealed the extent of wildlife-vehicle collisions in the city.
The City of Gold Coast has installed 12 flashing Speed Awareness Devices in koala and wildlife hotspots to urge motorists to slow down.
The signs come after more than 500 animals – including koalas, echidnas, possums, and wallabies – struck by vehicles were admitted to the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital so far this year.
"The flashing signs will remind motorists to take a bit of extra care to ensure our animal friends are safe as they move about the city," Mayor Tom Tate said.
"The City has identified areas as hotspots after the Wildlife Vehicle Collision Mitigation Program found there was an increasing number of wildlife car strikes.
"Last year almost 80 koala strikes were reported on Gold Coast roads – that's far too many.
"When you see one of these signs what we ask you to do is slow down, pay attention and be cautious – particularly between dusk and dawn. We know that drivers going slower will have a much better chance of stopping for wildlife that might cross the road."
The words "slow down" or "stay alert" will flash orange if a driver is speeding. A green koala face or kangaroo outline will flash if a motorist is travelling at the speed limit or below.
Currumbin Wildlife Hospital senior vet Michael Pyne said he expected the number of animals admitted to their hospital after car strikes was expected to significantly increase in the coming months.
"All too often we see animals admitted after they've been hit by a car and left on the side of the road, in some cases their parents have been hit and killed, and the joey is left orphaned. We just ask people to take extra care, particularly in areas known to be heavily populated by wildlife," Dr Pyne said.
The Currumbin Wildlife Hospital treats each animal for free but on average it costs about $1500 to treat an animal injured in a car strike.
The signs will be rotated through sites at:
- Trees Road, Tallebudgera
- Galleon Way, Currumbin Waters
- Simpsons Road, Elanora
- Guineas Creek Road, Elanora
- Old Coach Road, Reedy Creek
- Foxwell Road, Coomera
- Armstrong Way, Highland Park
- Smith St, Gaven
- Bonogin Road, Bonogin
Motorists and pedestrians should call Wildcare on 07 5527 2444 if they see an animal hit, even if it moves off the road. Deceased animals can be reported to the City on 07 5667 5976.
