MidCoast Council is installing approximately 4km of virtual fencing along the Bucketts Way, Tinonee with the aim of sparing more koalas and other wildlife from vehicle strike.
The first section of virtually fenced road is from the Bootawa Road / Bucketts Way intersection extending westward. Another 2km-section is also planned from the Gloucester Road / Bucketts Way intersection to BoBo Creek.
Virtual fencing works by producing light and sound that deters wildlife from crossing the road until the vehicle has passed. Individual posts are installed at 25m intervals on either side of the road and are activated in sequence by the headlights of oncoming vehicles. The system operates between dusk and dawn.
MidCoast Council's Manager of Natural Systems, Gerard Tuckerman, said that such fencing has shown very promising results in other council areas.
"During breeding season, we know that koalas cross the Bucketts Way more actively," explained Mr Tuckerman.
"The virtual fencing complements the existing signage and awareness approach.
"Our Kiwarrak/Bootawa koala population is of state significance, so we are very pleased to try this new innovative solution along known vehicle strike hotspots.
"However, it's still very important that as drivers we slow down on tree-lined roads, especially where koala and wildlife warning signs appear."
Virtual fencing is most effective when vehicles move at or under 80km per hour. Council does not have jurisdiction to change speed limits and is encouraging drivers to slow down on the Bucketts Way.
Research and testing from other areas have shown a 50 percent reduction in road strike. Every area may have different challenges and results, and Council is working with National Parks and Wildlife Service and Australian Fauna Care to monitor and collect data on wildlife sightings and vehicle strikes along the route.
With traffic increasing along the Bucketts Way since the recent flood event, virtual fencing is a welcome addition to the suite of approaches Council is taking as part of the Koala Safe Spaces program.
Virtual fencing may have the added benefit of improving road safety for drivers by reducing the likelihood of impact with wildlife.
The fencing is part of the Koala Safe Spaces program, funded by the NSW Government.
