Koala breeding season has begun on the Gold Coast, with motorists being urged to take extra care.
Between now and January we’re likely to see more koalas out and about on our roads as they move around the city looking for a mate.
The furry native’s have recently had their status changed from vulnerable to endangered, making this season an incredibly important one in keeping them safe.
Gold Coasters may be closer to koalas than they think with over 11% (34,072) of properties within just 100m of a known koala sighting, while over 61% (185,619) of properties are within 1km.
Mayor Tom Tate says we must all do our bit to protect the koalas.
“Drive carefully in koala hotspots, keep your dog indoors at night, make your backyard safe for koalas to move around and report koala sightings,” Mayor Tate says.
“Especially on the southern part of our city, just slow down when you see those koala signs.”
It comes as 30 roads across the city have been identified as hotspots, including Tallebudgera Connection Road which has recorded almost 100 koala-vehicle collisions.
IMAGE: Supplied
“Collisions between koalas and vehicles are concentrated along several key roads within Currumbin Waters and Currumbin Valley, Elanora, Tallebudgera and the Burleigh Heads areas,”
“Earlier this year, we launched the Wildlife-Vehicle Collision Mitigation Program which uses successful and tested measures that target high-priority areas,
“These include fauna exclusion fencing and additional signage near koala habitat.”
WATCH: Koala crossing Guineas Creek Road in Elanora
