Koalas on the Move!
Koalas are on the move between July and December. Be aware. Drive with care.
The number of koalas being injured or killed on Noosa roads is increasing each year. Most strikes occur during breeding season when koalas are on the move. Juveniles are dispersing from their mothers to find their own range while others are looking for a mate.
How you drive on the road has an impact.
Between July and December, be aware. Drive with care.
Follow us on social media as we introduce our friends each month and share information
and tips to help keep our roads safe during breeding season – for you and our wildlife.
Be aware.
Anytime, anywhere.
Koalas were formally classified as Endangered in 2021 by the Australian Government. This treasured national icon is under constant threat from car strikes, habitat loss, dog attacks and disease. It’s up to all of us to protect them.
Noosa Shire accounts for 49% of koala vehicle strikes across the Gympie, Sunshine Coast and Noosa region. Significant locations include the Bruce Highway at Pomona, Cooroy and Federal, McKinnon Drive and Cooroy-Noosa Road.
Most strikes occur during breeding season, from July to December. Sadly, only 21% of koalas involved in hits are able to be rehabilitated and released.
If you see a sick or injured animal…
If you see an injured animal by the side of the road, call it in!
Call the Wildcare Noosa 24-hr Emergency Rescue Hotline on 5527 2444.
Stay with the animal until help arrives, if it’s safe to do so.
Your safety is important.
What can you do to help save our koala
The Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation has launched a Koalas on the Move! campaign to help curb koala vehicle strikes in the Noosa Shire. Help us be a koala-aware community. Here’s what you can do:
- The number of koalas being hit, injured or killed on Noosa roads is increasing each year.
- Noosa Shire accounts for 49% of all koala road trauma incidents across the Sunshine Coast to Gympie region.
- More than 85% of koalas hit by a car die. (Dept of EHP)
- Between July to December is breeding and dispersal season. Koalas are on the move searching for a mate, while juveniles are dispersing from their mothers.
- Be koala aware when driving – particularly at dawn and dusk, when koalas can be difficult to be seen.
- Look out for our road signage in ‘koala zones’ – koalas are near! Slow down and be cautious, there’s increased koala activity in the area.
- If you see an injured koala or animal by the roadside, call it in! Call the Noosa Wildcare 24-hr Emergency Rescue Hotline on 5527 2444. Don’t try to help. Wait for help to arrive if it’s safe to do so, your safety is important.
- Talk to family and friends about koala breeding season. Help us become a koala-aware community.
- Follow our Koalas on the Move campaign on social media and share our poster with your friends.
Download the Koalas on the Move campaign poster and display it in your business or school.
Local organisations caring for koalas
Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation
The NBRF are a Noosa not-for-profit organisation progressing the global aims of the UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) Program in the Noosa Biosphere Reserve. We engage, Koalas on the move campaign landing page copy inspire and facilitate partners and community to promote a balance between people and nature.
Queensland Koala Crusaders
Qld Koala Crusaders are dedicated to improving koala conservation outcomes by being a voice for the koala. Their members are actively engaged in rescue/rehabilitation and re-release of sick and injured koalas, habitat and corridor restoration, community educationand much more
Wildcare Australia – Noosa
Wildcare Australia operate a 24-hour wildlife emergency service in South-east Queensland. Wildcare volunteer rescuer’s rescue and rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned native animals for release back into natural habitat. If you see a sick or injured koala or wildlife, call it in. Phone 07 5527 2444.
Tourism Noosa
Tourism Noosa are Noosa’s peak tourism body. Their sustainability program Trees for Tourism is an environmental sustainability initiative in partnership with Noosa and District Landcare, where major events and local business donate a portion of ticket sales to fund environmental rehabilitation projects and initiatives.
Noosa Council
Noosa Council is responsible for, and committed to, maintaining and enhancing the Shire’s natural environment. Council ensures the vegetation and animals in the shire are protectedor managed by applying various programs and regulations, including the Noosa Shire’s Koala Conservation Plan and Land for Wildlife, a program that supports landholders who wish to manage part or all of their property for nature conservation.
