New fencing to protect wildlife

Koalas at Bray Park and Narangba will be better protected with new safety infrastructure on the way.

As part of two projects - at Old North Rd, Bray Park and Roberts Rd, Narangba - new koala-proof fencing will be installed and damaged fences repaired.

Mayor Peter Flannery says the work will also include escape poles, refuge poles, fauna ledges and pedestrian gates.

“Unlike other areas in the south-east, Moreton Bay is home to hundreds of hectares of national parks, wildlife reserves, parks and corridors - which are in turn home to thousands of native animals,” Mayor Flannery says.

“Some of these areas are split between local roads, which is why we’ve created a program to make sure koalas, kangaroos and other creatures who call these places home can safely move between them.

“In just the last few years, we’ve been able to install more than 10,000 metres of koala fencing, build key fauna crossings along the Moreton Bay Rail corridor and roll out 26 rope bridges.”

Protecting wildlife

Moreton Bay Civil Contractors was awarded the $219,000 contract to complete the work.

Councillor Darren Grimwade (Div 11) says boosting protection for wildlife would help reduce the number of animals being hit by cars.

He says more than 80,000 trees planted in the past few years have increased koala habitat, but that also means an increased risk of interactions between wildlife and residents.

“Being able to install new fencing, escape poles and fauna ledges along Roberts Rd will reduce that risk of interaction and create a huge benefit for animals in the area,” he says.

Division 8 Councillor Mick Gillam says construction will start in coming months and take about four weeks to complete.

“Together with our ongoing research to protect koalas at The Mill at Moreton Bay, it’s just another measure council is delivering to protect the environment and animals we love,” Cr Gillam says.

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