Tweed expands koala safety zone

POTTSVILLE’S Koala Zone is now upgraded with new signage along Terranora Road to expand protection efforts of koalas from vehicle strikes in the area.

The Koala Zone on Coronation Avenue was extended by 1.5km, bringing the total length to about 2km with crews adding three pavement markings and new signs last month.

Tweed Shire Council has also replaced seven signs with larger versions for better visibility along Terranora Road, where residents have reported around 20 koala sightings this season, including females with joeys.

The council’s conservation planning officer, Marama Hopkins, said vehicle strikes were a leading threat, especially during low-light hours.

“From 2019 to 2025, we received multiple sightings of koalas crossing the road and a vehicle strike up to around 1.5 km outside and to the west of the existing Koala Zone,” Hopkins said.

“Drivers generally respond well to the speed limits within the 50kmh part of the zone. Extending the zone increases awareness of the koalas crossing the road and encourages careful driving.”

The council said drivers could help by slowing down near bushland and in Koala Zones, staying alert for wildlife and reporting koalas near roads to Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers on 02 6672 4789 or Friends of the Koala on 02 6622 1233.

The upgrades are part of the Tweed Coast Koala Plan of Management and were funded by the NSW Government’s Koala Strategy.

For more information, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/environment/native-plants-wildlife/native-animals/koalas