Millions of dollars will be spent on bolstering the line of defence that protects koalas from a terrible fate on the region’s roads.
The State Government has promised $5 million to maintain critical koala fencing across the North Coast Region, stretching from Strathpine to Pomona and west to Esk.
Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton said safeguarding koala populations and their habitat was important, particularly during the current breeding season.
“We want to continue creating safer habitats for koalas and have listened to the community,” Mr Skelton said.
“Koalas seeking mates tend to move around more during breeding season, so having well maintained fencing is so important to keep them off the roads and away from cars.
“This $5 million will support more regular inspections and maintenance of existing koala exclusion fencing in TMR’s North Coast Region.
“Maintenance works will create a clear zone along koala exclusion fences and repair any holes that koalas or other wildlife might get through.”
Stay on top of local news by registering for our free Sunshine Coast News daily bulletin. Just click SUBSCRIBE at the top of this article
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said in some instances, trees close to the fence may need to be removed to prevent koalas using them to climb over the fence and onto the road.
“To provide the clear zone, maintenance works will include clearing vegetation, trimming overhanging tree branches and spraying weeds growing on fences,” Mr Bailey said.
“A clear zone along the fence line is needed to ensure its effectiveness and keep koalas safe, now and into the future.
“TMR crews started removing vegetation encroaching on the koala exclusion fence on the Bruce Highway between the Pine River and Caboolture back in May.
“This additional funding will allow them to inspect and repair fencing where needed across a wider area, with some sections requiring urgent attention already identified.
“Our crews have started vegetation maintenance and repair works on the koala exclusion fencing on the Bruce Highway around Cooroy, Noosa, Pomona and Federal.”
Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the extra funding for koala fence maintenance added to a record $1.4 billion investment by the State Government in the latest budget for the environment, and followed work by the Department of Environment and Science and TMR to trial koala shields, which were metal guards affixed to posts, along the M1 motorway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
“These shields prevent the claws of koalas and other nocturnal wildlife from gaining purchase on the poles.
“This trial delivered very promising results. Not a single koala was able to climb past the shields and in a bonus result, a possum also tried and was unsuccessful,” Minister Scanlon said.
“It adds to a number of environmental initiatives as part of our roads investment on the Sunshine Coast, like new fauna underpasses as part of the Bruce Highway upgrade between Caloundra Road and the Sunshine Motorway.
“This work, and the work going forward to get these shields operational, will help koalas in South-East Queensland.”
