Tallebudgera Connection Road Koala Zone Trial
The department values the protection of native fauna and supports koala protection treatments and initiatives to help mitigate koala-vehicle collisions.
Tallebudgera Connection Road is recognised as a high-risk road for koala-vehicle collisions.
In response to public concern over koala safety, we successfully trialled new signage and speed reduction measures on this road, between July 2023 and January 2024, coinciding with the koala breeding season.
The trial involved the establishment of a dedicated koala zone, the monitoring of vehicle speeds within the zone and an assessment of the effectiveness of speed reduction measures.
The Koala Zone Trial took place on a 3km (approximately) section of Tallebudgera Connection Road from Valley Drive to Currumbin Creek Road.
The aim of the trial was to raise awareness of koala movements and reduce the speed of vehicles when and where koalas are most likely to be moving around the road.
The community was invited to provide feedback on the trial.
Benefits
- Improves safety
Key features
The Koala Zone Trial included:
- a 10km speed reduction to 50km/h between 6pm and 6am daily within the koala zone, Valley Drive to Currumbin Creek Road
- installation of new speed signs, including active (LED flashing) signs and speed signs as you entered the koala zone
- Vehicle Activated Signs positioned on Tallebudgera Connection Road zone to alert drivers to their driving speed
- police enforcement of koala zone speed limits.
Current status
The trial was evaluated in early 2024 and revealed motorists drove slower within the koala zone, supporting the effectiveness of the speed management strategies. Results showed:
- 6% reduction in overall speeds
- 20% reduction in speeds above 60km/h
- 2–6% reduction in average speeds from day (6am to 6pm) to night (6pm to 6am), compared to before the trial.
Following the positive outcomes of the Koala Zone Trial, TMR has plans to extend the koala zone initiative for another 18 months, including during the next koala breeding season that starts in July 2024.
Data will continue to be collected and analysed for ongoing monitoring of the effects of the koala zone.
Community feedback
We would like your feedback about the Koala Zone Trial.
Feedback can be provided directly to the project team by phone (07) 5563 6600 or email: TCR_koalazone@tmr.qld.gov.au.
Tallebudgera Connection Road Koala Zone Trial location map
