Measures are being taken at multiple locations along Heathcote Road to protect koalas from road strikes on Heathcote Road.

Stage one of work at Deadmans Creek is complete with structures now in place on both sides of the creek for koalas to safely traverse under the bridge.

Stage 2 will see koala exclusion fencing installed north and south of Deadmans Creek to help direct koala movement under the bridge. 

In addition to this, development of koala exclusion fencing in this area is underway.

A consultant has been engaged to undertake the necessary assessments as part of the planning approvals process. A submission to Liverpool Council is planned for late 2024.and construction of the fence is anticipated to commence in 2025.

Transport for NSW has installed five permanent signs on Heathcote Road to warn drivers of koala activity in the area.

Two temporary variable message signs were also installed from September 2023 to February 2024 targeting the koala breeding season.

As well, the new Heathcote Road Bridge over the Woronora River is complete and includes new koala fencing either side of the bridge. The new fencing will help direct koala movement under the bridge and support koala connectivity along the Woronora River.

The NSW Government previously announced $35 million for the investigation of Heathcote Road corridor upgrade between The Avenue at Voyager Point to The Princes Highway at Heathcote.

This funding includes the investigation of opportunities to improve koala connectivity and reduce road strike.

The NSW Government is committed to investigating future measures to lower wildlife road trauma. A Symposium held on the 21 of May 2024 brought together ecologists, transport agencies, technology experts, all levels of government, NGOs, industry, and the community, to identify future mitigating strategies.

From this Symposium, a Future Directions report is currently being compiled, including a literature review, and will be provided to TfNSW by the end of August to inform future protective measures.

Quotes attributable to Maryanne Stuart MP, Member for Heathcote

“The Minns Labor Government is taking significant steps to protect koalas from road strikes along Heathcote Road.

The safety and health of koalas is a key pillar of the NSW Koala Strategy, which prioritises action to fix vehicle strike hotspots across NSW.

“These protective measures are essential to ensuring the 180 strong koala colony in the Heathcote National Park are protected when attempting to cross the road.

“Thank you to the community for your advocacy to protect our native koalas. Thank you to Transport for NSW and the Minister for Roads, John Graham, for your ongoing commitment to preserve our treasured koala