Koalas crossing – please slow down: signs of our times

More local koalas are killed by motor vehicles than anything else, including dogs.

In the past eight years there have been 38 reported deaths of koalas on local roads.

That’s why local wildlife advocates are grateful Campbelltown Council responded to their request for more signs near koala crossing hotspots.

Ricardo Lonza, founder of Facebook page Help Save the Wildlife and Bushlands in Campbelltown, said he recently approached council about erecting koala signs in Minto Heights along Hansens Road and Ben Lomond Road.

“I spoke to the mayor, [George Brticevic] and I am happy to say he was very keen to help – the signs went up pretty soon after that, which is great,’’ Mr Lonza said.

“This was a part of the Campbelltown koala colony which didn’t have any road signs warning motorists of koalas crossing, so it was great to get such quick action from the mayor and the council.

“And they also promised to install more signs wherever they are needed.’’

Another reason Mr Lonza was grateful the new signs were erected quickly was the timing.

He says right now the Campbelltown LGA is a hotbed of wildlife and koala activity.

In the past four weeks alone there have been 23 reported koala sightings by local residents and Mr Lonza is worried that we will see a spike in motor vehicle strikes as koalas seem to be moving around more at the moment.

“There are a number of reasons for this – some koalas are looking for better food sources due to the drought and recent bushfires,’’ Mr Lonza said.

“It’s also the start of koala breeding season, so male koalas become more active looking for a mate and also when young koalas leave their mums and try and find their own territory to live in.

[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“We know that our wildlife need more than signs to keep them safe, but reminding drivers to slow down and watch out when they see the signs is a start,’’ says Mr Lonza.[/social_quote]

“So what do you do when you see the koala signs – slow down and watch out.’’

Koala signs are also currently located along some of our major wildlife corridors, including Appin Road, Woodland Road, Junction Road and Georges River Road.

The spread of housing developments has put our wildlife at greater risk, particularly from motor vehicle strike when crossing roads that cut through wildlife corridors.

“Over the past eight years I have received reports of 38 koalas killed due to motor vehicle strikes,’’ says Mr Lonza.

“The sad part is, many don’t get reported.’’

• Mr Lonza says that if you have accidentally hit a koala, or you find a koala sitting on or next to the road please call Sydney Wildlife Rescue (9413 4300) or WIRES Koala Hotline (0466 318 688) immediately.
• “We also need people to report sightings so that we can check out the koalas’ health and to continue to monitor potential hotspots.’’