Koala protection on the Sunshine Coast and surrounds has received a $5m State Government boost.
The fencing funding will cover the Department of Transport and Main Road (TMR) North Coast Region, which stretches from Strathpine in the south to Pomona in the north, and west to Fernvale, Esk and Toogoolawah and surrounding areas.
This $5 million will support more regular inspections and maintenance of existing koala exclusion fencing in TMR’s North Coast Region.
TMR 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 follows work by the department and TMR to trial koala shields, which are 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.“
