2019-03-12 P&E Agenda - Item 5 - Attachment 2 - Koala Infrastructure & Feasibility Report

structures, are relatively inexpensive and often complement other management objectives. Development of
effective low-cost mitigation methods would allow wider application and promote safer motorist behaviour.
For example, signs are the most commonly used and widespread form of road mitigation and are likely to
continue to be the most commonly implemented mitigation measure of wildlife–vehicle collisions due to
their relatively low cost. Evidence of the effectiveness of wildlife warning signs is inconsistent but improving
the design of wildlife warning signs to increase the likelihood of driver response may aid in reducing the
incidence of wildlife–vehicle collisions.

Other important considerations include:

•    Design of road networks to minimise impacts to wildlife at a network scale;
•    Applying scientific methods at the planning stage to determine the most effective solutions for
     conservation within social and financial constraints;
•    Thought must be given to the management of koalas not only long-term through the planning and
     implementation of road mitigation measures but also during construction and operation of those
     measures;
•    While there is little evidence supporting the prey-trap hypothesis, the potential relevance of this
     situation should be assessed on a case-by-case basis and measures to reduce the risk of predation should
     be considered during the design and operation of crossing structures; and
•    The installation of mitigation measures must be followed by systematic monitoring to assist in their
     management, evaluate their use and effectiveness, provide authorities with recommendations relating
     to the design and placement of crossing structures and ensure that the costs equal the ecological benefit
     to encourage continued implementation of such measures. A Before-After-Control-Impact BACI design
     (van der Grift et al. 2013) including measurements of road mortality, movement rate and population size
     recorded at both the structure site and at control sites before and repeated for adequate monitoring
     periods after the structures are installed is recommended.

Audits of Existing Koala Infrastructure

Both hard and soft infrastructure are currently installed for koala protection around Noosa Council, including:

•    koala exclusion fencing and associated passageways;
•    climbing structures;
•    signage;
•    lighting; and
•    speed limits.

Most existing koala exclusion fencing on Council roads is in poor condition and does not appear to be
maintained with an appropriate frequency to ensure function. It is recommended that all existing koala
exclusion fencing is cleared of vegetation, mended and maintained to prevent koalas from entering the road
side. Current fencing could potentially be extended where there are gaps between two sections of fencing.

Most signage is in good condition. However, some signs are obstructed by vegetation, not ideally positioned
or display a design that is difficult to read or recognise. It is recommended that measures be taken to rectify
these issues.

Most street lighting is provided along roads within built-up areas, particularly at intersections and
roundabouts. Rural roads have limited lighting. Additional lighting may be beneficial at extreme pinch point
crossings or unfenced areas where multiple hits have been recorded.

In very high risk or pinch point areas where there are multiple koala-collision records and hard infrastructure
is not feasible, practical changes to speed limits may increase driver and koala safety. In some cases, it may

Koala Infrastructure Audit & Feasibility Report                                                           Page iv

Noosa Council
17SUN-0087/1700860