There is one day left to voice your opinion on the sale of part of a road reserve near Suffolk Park which Bangalow Koalas says will increase the risk of koala strikes like the recent death of Moji the koala.
The proposed sale is to adjoining landowners who had a development for a ‘Five Lot Community Title Subdivision‘ in 2023 refused by Byron Shire Council (BSC).
There are three to four koalas in that area at the moment,’ Linda Sparrow, President of Bangalow Koalas, told The Echo.
‘This is right in the middle of a koala corridor. It is a critical area that allows koalas to move from the coast to the hinterland. If all those trees are cut down it actually breaks one of the key links between the hinterland and coastal koala communities.’
There are numerous car hits of koalas within this area that is in close proximity to the golf course and the road reserve site on Bangalow Rd. The recent death of well-loved koala Moji who was killed last week was on nearby Broken Head Road on the other side of the golf course. This area is also mapped as being in a Koala Planning Area.
‘A female koala was hit by a car in December 2022 right in front of the proposed closure and sale of 139 Bangalow Rd, Byron Bay,’ said Ms Sparrow.
‘There are currently four koalas being tracked and monitored close by this site, koalas are sighted on Byron Golf Course as well.’
Byron Council will consider all submissions before deciding whether to continue with the road closure proposal. Submissions close tomorrow Saturday, 31 August.
‘This area links from Lillypilly and the cemetery to the other side of Bangalow Road up to Coopers Shoot,’ explained Ms Sparrow.
‘It is an area we have been working on with council in relation to car strikes and we’ve put up our VMS signs alerting drivers. The big impacts on koalas include habitat fragmentation, care strikes, dog attacks, and stress. Byron koalas are facing the real threat of extinction due to habitat loss, disease and climate change. We urge you reject this sale as a matter of urgency. No matter where you live your voice is important for Byron koalas.’
To put in a submission click here.
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