TEAM members from Port Stephens Council were present alongside volunteers and staff at the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary on Monday 16 October to celebrate the completion of the Koala Strike Zone Project – an initiative to protect the iconic native species in the region.

The project was a collaborative effort across several organisations, funded by NSW Government grants, as a part of the NSW Koala Program.

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Port Stephens Council were responsible for the delivery of the project, which also involved contributions from the Port Stephens Koala Hospital, Koala Koalition, Transport for NSW and the NSW Koala Program team.

Port Stephens Deputy Mayor, Cr Leah Anderson, addressed those in attendance, thanking everyone involved for their efforts and lauding a significant step taken toward protecting this critically endangered species.

“This project was initiated from a motion that came out of one of Council’s Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management Committee meetings back in 2019,” said Cr Anderson.

The Koala Strike Zone Project targeted Port Stephens Drive from Anna Bay to Salamander Bay, and sought to address the specific concern of Koala injuries or fatalities by motor vehicle collision.

Records indicate that there have been more than 80 incidents of Koala fatalities on Port Stephens Drive since 2013.

To combat this, 3.7 kilometres (km) of fauna-proof fencing has been installed along Port Stephens Drive, which is intended to drive Koalas to a newly constructed underpass.

22 wooden “escape structures” have been installed along the fence to allow koalas to climb back to safety should they find themselves exposed on the roadside.

In addition to this, three koala grids have been implanted to discourage koalas from wandering onto the road.

“While these measures will help koalas to safely access habitat in the area without the threat of being struck on the road, it’s important to remember that we all have a part to play in keeping koalas safe from harm on our roads,” Cr Anderson said.

“Motorists can do their bit by slowing down and taking care while driving within known koala hotspots and during the breeding season when koalas are often on the move.”

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington has expressed her appreciation for the project.

“I’m delighted the NSW Government has been able to partner with Port Stephens Council to make their movements safer.

“Our local koala population is iconic but in decline, so every single life we save matters.”

Acknowledging that while the Koala Strike Zone Project is a positive step toward saving native wildlife, Cr Anderson reminded the public that there is a contribution that all residents of Port Stephens can make.

“We’ve recently started a Landholder Partnership Program to encourage community members on private land to work with Council to provide safe environments for our koalas.

“We’re looking for landholders to plant koala food and shelter trees and remove weeds to create koala friendly backyards.”

Adding some incentive for people to join the program, Cr Anderson added, “Those that register for the program before 30 November go in the draw to win a stay at Koala Sanctuary.”

To become a Koala Landholder Partner, enter the competition, or find out how you can help keep our koalas safe in our community, visit pscouncil.info/koalas

By Lindsay HALL