Brisbane’s getting a bit more koala friendly and honestly, it’s about time. A new $3 million wildlife underpass is being built in Toohey Forest, and it’s set to be a game changer for our furry locals who’ve been navigating some pretty dangerous roads just to get around.
This is the first of its kind for the city and comes after years of rising concern about koala safety, especially with increasing traffic through Mt Gravatt and Holland Park West. The underpass will link key parts of the forest, allowing wildlife to cross safely beneath the road instead of risking a dash across lanes of speeding cars. For a city that calls itself green, it’s a solid move in the right direction.
Toohey Forest is home to a decent koala population and plenty of other native species, and the new infrastructure is designed to reduce roadkill numbers while preserving animal movement and habitat. It’s also a bit of a win for residents who’ve been calling for better environmental planning as the city expands.
Construction is already underway and if all goes well, koalas could be cruising through their new private tunnel by early next year. It’s not just a tunnel though. The plan includes fencing, vegetation buffers and motion sensor cameras to monitor activity and make sure the little guys are using it.
As Brisbane continues to grow, projects like this are crucial for making sure our wildlife doesn’t get pushed out or left behind. Here’s hoping it’s the first of many. Logan and Redlands, we’re looking at you.
