DRIVERS travelling through known koala habitation zones are being urged to slow down and stay alert as the annual koala breeding season gets under way.
Warmer weather signals the start of the season and there have been increased sightings of the iconic marsupials attempting to cross roads.
Koalas can travel greater distances during this time, which puts them at significantly higher risk of vehicle strike, particularly at night.
While night-times pose the greatest risk, the bears can be mobile and cross roads at any time.
More than 20 koalas lost their lives on MidCoast roads during the 2025 breeding season.
MidCoast Council’s Manager Natural Systems, Gerard Tuckerman, said the community played a critical role in protecting koalas during this high-risk period.
“Koalas are on the move looking for mates, and unfortunately that often means crossing roads,” Mr Tuckerman said.
“By reducing speed and staying alert in known koala areas, drivers can make the difference between life and death for these animals.”
Council continues to support koala safety through a range of initiatives, including maintaining driver awareness signage at vehicle strike hotspots, trialling virtual fencing technology on The Bucketts Way near the Bootawa Road intersection, and running koala awareness advertisements on local radio stations.
As part of the Tinonee Koala Safe Space project, community members in known koala crossing areas are also receiving bin stickers and temporary corflute signs designed to raise awareness at locations where koalas frequently cross roads.
These highly mobile signs help reduce sign fatigue while keeping local residents informed about koala activity.
MidCoast Council is asking all motorists to:
Slow down in known koala areas.
Take extra care when driving at dawn, dusk and overnight.
Watch for wildlife warning signs and roadside activity.
Be prepared to stop if a koala is spotted near or on the road.
Encourage family and friends to drive carefully during breeding season.
Community members who find a sick or injured koala should contact their local koala care organisation as soon as possible. If you are in doubt, download the IWAF Wildlife Rescue app. This will help you identify the correct organisation depending on your whereabouts.
Every driver can help save a koala this breeding season.
Slow down, stay alert and give koalas a safer chance to cross our roads.
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