Tweed Shire Council has expanded Pottsville's Koala Zone and upgraded signage along Terranora Road to help protect threatened koalas from vehicle strikes.
Last month, a 1.5km extension of the koala zone was installed along Pottsville Road in Pottsville. Three additional pavement markings and associated static signage were added, extending the zone out past the ambulance station and Shackell Transport.
Council's Conservation Planning Officer Marama Hopkins said vehicle strikes remain a leading threat to koalas, especially during low‑light hours.
"From 2019 to 2025, we received multiple sightings of koalas crossing the road and a vehicle strike around 1.5 km outside and to the west of the existing Koala Zone," Ms Hopkins said.
"Drivers generally respond well to the speed limits within the 50km/h part of the zone. Extending the zone increases awareness of the koalas crossing the road and encourages careful driving."
Koala signage was also upgraded along Terranora Road, with crews replacing 7 small signs with larger versions to improve visibility for drivers.
Council has already received around 20 reports of koala sightings in the Terranora area this season, including females with joeys.
"Koalas are frequently seen moving around Terranora and Bilambil, particularly during the summer breeding season. We've heard reports of koalas crossing the busy Terranora Road and even entering suburban backyards," Ms Hopkins said.
During breeding season, koalas travel more often and are more likely to cross busy roads. Drivers are urged to:
- drive slowly near bushland
- stay alert for wildlife at all times of day
- if you see a koala near or on a road, call Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers on 02 6672 4789 or Friends of the Koala on 02 6622 1233 – even if the animal appears uninjured.
To further remind drivers of the presence of koalas, trailer-mounted variable message signs (VMS) will be installed around key places in the Tweed over the summer holiday period.
These projects form part of a broader package of koala vehicle strike mitigation actions under the Tweed Coast Koala Plan of Management, funded by NSW Government's Koala Strategy.
