Coomera Connector new ‘koala highway’
THE state government with the building of the Coomera Connector is confronted with another “koala highway”. New data and fresh video confirms this. How do they fix it?
Where endangered koalas and the traffic on the planned six to eight-lane second M1 will collide is at Helensvale.
This is a surprise because fast growing Coomera or further north with the second stage created much of the environmental protest so far.
Helensvale-based councillor William Owen-Jones, in an update to residents, wrote: “The overall number of koala sightings (across the city) decreased in 2021 compared with 2020. Helensvale recorded the highest number of koala sightings by suburb.”
Of the 881 koala sightings by residents in 2021, 166 were at Helensvale. The next highest are Burleigh Heads (121), Elanora (101), Tallebudgera (53) Currumbin Waters (48) and Reedy Creek (41).
In 1995 the then Goss government backed a plan to build an alternative highway to the M1 through koala habitat at Logan and the koala suburb Daisy Hill. They lost nine seats at the next State poll, before eventually losing government the following year.
Labor this time must get it right. Few residents seem to know who is building the highway.
“Who really is protecting the koalas,” a resident asked Cr Owen-Jones.
“Why do you and many others insist on the building of the Coomera Connector which will destroy the koalas that you all so proudly say you are protecting — it’s an environmental disaster.”
Cr Owen-Jones in a response on his Facebook page fired back.
“The Coomera Connector is a STATE (sic) led project jointly funded by the FEDERAL (sic) and STATE (sic) governments,” he wrote.
“In Helensvale it will run parallel with the existing heavy rail transport corridor. My understanding is the federal government are still to grant environmental approvals.”
Another resident wrote: “Wow! 166 sightings in Helensvale, why is this not enough to stop the Connector. Just goes to show the big commitment to protecting the species is all for show. Sweet! Now let’s destroy those numbers by putting a new highway in.”
Mayor Tom Tate in his messaging to motorists is to slow down around koala hot spots.
“Each area requires a specific approach to safety and we currently undertake a range of measures to reduce strikes such as fauna exclusion fencing, fauna underpasses, static wildlife signage, koala speed awareness devices, variable messaging signs as well as community education and awareness messaging,” he said.
“The City will also explore a feasibility trial of a koala crossing at Napper Road and we will continue to analyse and assess the best ways to prevent wildlife-vehicle collisions on the Gold Coast and work with state government on how best to manage these instances on State-controlled roads.”
A resident at The Shores at
Helensvale on Cr Owen-Jones’ page released a video of a koala climbing down a nearby tree and wondered about his fate. The koala is one happy, fat fella.
Council sources suggest there is a simple solution here and it involves continuing the protection offered by a heavy rail corridor where koalas cross under culverts below the line.
“The culverts could be extended across the Coomera Connector allowing for eastwest movement. But we have yet to see anything on design,” the council source said.
This is a win-lose moment for Labor right now. The government cannot afford to wait unlike in 1995. Vital new infrastructure can be delivered which protects the environment.