Construction is stepping up on a fauna exclusion fence along key sections of Hogbin Drive to reduce the number of koalas killed and injured.
City of Coffs Harbour received funding from the NSW Government to install fencing which will guide animals to the existing underpasses at the bridges over Boambee and Newports creeks.
While the more than two kilometres of fencing is not continuous, it is being installed along sections which have the best opportunity to protect the koalas and is based on data collected by the City, and rescues made by WIRES over several years.
The project will include escape points made of one-way posts for any koala that gets onto the wrong side of the fence.
Additionally, 'fauna furniture' - posts and horizontal rails – will be installed under the bridges to support koalas on the move.
Cameras are also being positioned to monitor koala movements.
"Some years we have seen up to five koalas lost to vehicle strike on these sections of Hogbin Drive. We hope the works will have a positive impact on our much-loved local population." City Planning and Communities Director Chris Chapman said.
City of Coffs Harbour publishes a Koala Register, where people can track and record local sightings. You can see it here.
This project has been fully funded by and delivered in partnership with the NSW Koala Strategy. The strategy delivers targeted investment to secure habitat, support local conservation, reduce threats and improve knowledge.
The fence is based on Transport for NSW designs that have been in use for many years.
The project is expected to be completed by late April.
Photo:
Koala at Pine Creek Bridge (NPWS/Martin Smith).
