New electronic signs urging motorists to watch for koalas have been welcomed along Bells Line of Road from Kurrajong Hills to Kurrajong Heights, but local residents and koala lovers are questioning why the initiative does not extend further up the mountain towards Bilpin, Mount Tomah and Bell.
Transport for NSW have deployed two Variable Message Signs during the koala breeding season, which runs from August to February. One will be positioned on Bells Line of Road at Kurrajong Hills and the other on Bells Line of Road at Kurrajong Heights.
Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman said the signs would remind motorists to take extra care when koalas are more active.
“Bells Line of Road runs through important koala habitat, and during breeding season koalas are much more active and likely to cross roads as they search for mates and establish territory,” Ms Templeman said.
She thanked NSW Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison for supporting the initiative and urged drivers to slow down, particularly at dawn and dusk.
The Gazette has done a rough estimate of the hire cost of the two signs to be about $700 per week.
However, residents further along the road say the announcement raises a question: what protection is being offered to koalas around Bilpin, Berambing, Mount Tomah and Bell?
They argue the safety message should extend along the mountain corridor through the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, rather than focus on the two announced locations at Kurrajong Hill and Heights.
Local koala advocates suggest changing the message from 7 kilometres to 47 kilometres would demonstrate that koalas further along the road deserve equal consideration.
Their broader point is that wildlife protection should reflect the extent of habitat and the risks animals face across the area.
The announcement does not explain how the location was selected, whether other sections of BLOR were assessed, or whether additional signs are planned towards Bilpin and Mount Tomah.
Hon Peter Primrose MLC said slowing down and paying attention to roadside warnings could help reduce wildlife collisions.
For residents further up Bells Line of Road, the initiative is a welcome start. They want the same attention extended to the koalas beyond Kurrajong Heights.
In the meantime for local koala's outside the 7 km Kurrajong Hills and Heights stretch of Bells Line Road perhaps a high vis vests to assist with road safety would be a good investment https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRv0ITSkwF4/?hl=en
