New Koala Zones Aim to Protect Byron Shire’s Iconic Wildlife

ROBERT HEYWARD

Byron Shire Council has introduced new Koala Zones on Broken Head Road, Coolamon Scenic Drive, and Coorabell Road near Federal, in an effort to reduce road strikes and protect local wildlife. These zones include vehicle-activated signs and painted road markings, encouraging drivers to slow down and stay alert for koalas and other native animals.

Why Koala Zones?

The selected roads are known hotspots for koalas, with multiple road strikes reported in these areas. Tragically, fve koalas have been hit on Broken Head

Road alone this year, including two beloved local males, “Moji” and “Braveheart.” The initiative aims to reduce these incidents and raise awareness among drivers.

“These areas are regularly used by koalas, and unfortunately, many have been killed by cars,” said Liz Caddick, Byron Shire Council’s Biodiversity Team Leader. “The new signs and road paint will remind drivers to slow down and look out for wildlife.”

How the Signs Work

The vehicle-activated signs are not speed cameras but serve as visual reminders:

• Green happy face: Drivers traveling under

70 km/h.

• Red sad face: Drivers exceeding the speed limit.

• Speed display: Drivers approaching 80 km/h receive a speed reminder.

The signs, funded through the NSW Koala Strategy, are part of a four-year program to monitor the effects of these measures on driver behaviour and koala safety.

Community Collaboration

The project was developed in consultation with local wildlife carers from Bangalow Koalas and Friends of the Koala, ensuring the zones target areas with frequent koala activity.

Bangalow Koalas President, Linda Sparrow, praised the initiative:

“It’s heartbreaking to see koalas being hit. Slowing down on our roads, especially at dawn and dusk, can make a huge difference. These zones are a big step toward protecting our precious wildlife.”

Year-Round Vigilance Needed

While wildlife can appear at any time, koalas are especially active from June to December, during breeding season. Drivers are encouraged to stay vigilant and reduce speeds, even in built-up areas, as koalas often cannot escape oncoming vehicles in time.

Existing and Expanded Koala Zones

The new zones join existing ones on Mafeking Road and Bangalow Road, further extending efforts to create safer habitats for Byron Shire’s koala population.

Report Injured Koalas

If you see a sick or injured koala, contact Friends of the Koala at 6622 1233. The hotline operates 24/7 to provide urgent care. By slowing down and staying alert, residents and visitors can help protect one of Australia’s most iconic species.

Just be careful… by

Nigel Dawe

OUT of all the expressions you hear on any given day, the one you’re most likely to hear is “take care”, there is none more elevated bidding of adieu between friends, strangers or otherwise. To take care is the ultimate outlook or approach that any of us can ‘take’, albeit apply to whatever it is we are about to do.

Apparently, the expression originated in the 1580s (which is slap-bang in the middle of Shakespeare’s own time) he being personally responsible for the creation over 1,700 words and phrases in English; you wouldn’t be surprised if ‘take care’ was another verbal trophy he could well add to his already impressive linguistic cabinet. From ‘baseless’ to ‘majestic’ to ‘lacklustre’ to ‘dwindle’ to ‘swagger’ and ‘hurry’ – none of these words existed before the British Isles’ favourite son personally coined them.

The word ‘care’ itself though, stems from a much earlier time, it is believed to have originated from the old English word ‘carian’, which meant ‘to feel concern or interest; or to give serious attention.’ And serious attention through the pure expression of care, is what each of us ought to afford every single thing we do. As the Vietnamese Buddhist Thich Nhat Hahn once said, “Caring is the bridge that connects us to one another.” It also protects us from the potential hurt of ever feeling isolated or dismissed by a world that seems so quick to turn its back, when things go even slightly wrong.

Relatedly, the youngest-ever winner of a Nobel Peace Prize, Malala Yousafzai once explained, “Caring is