The tragic deaths of two koala mothers who left behind orphaned joeys have ignited calls for the closure of Mt Gravatt Lookout Reserve road at night.
The deaths, which occurred on consecutive days in November, have galvanised residents and koala advocates who argue that vehicle strikes are a significant threat to the area’s koala population.
The Queensland Koala Society is caring for both joeys orphaned by the incidents. One, affectionately named Monty, symbolises the campaign to restrict vehicle access after dark. Advocates point to the success of similar measures at other southside reserves, such as Whites Hill Reserve and Minnippi Parklands, where nighttime closures have been implemented to protect koalas.
Campaigners allege inconsistencies in the lookout’s current closing times. While Brisbane City Council maintains the road has been closed daily from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. for 15 years, residents claim to have observed variations in the closure times. Apparently, a private waste contractor had mistakenly left the gate open on several occasions but assured the public that the issue had been resolved.
However, residents argue that the current arrangement needs to be revised to protect the vulnerable koala population even with consistent closure times. Since June of last year, there have been ten reported incidents involving koalas in the area, six of them fatal. While not all incidents were attributed to vehicles, concerns remain about the risks posed by speeding cars, particularly given the presence of mothers with joeys who are more likely to be on the move.
Despite reducing the speed limit from 50km/h to 40km/h in 2022 and recommending 30km/h on sharp bends, residents insist speeding remains a problem. The council has rejected calls for traffic calming measures and improved lighting due to the steepness of the road and its classification as a “no-through” road.
Council’s Position
- Current gate closure times are deemed sufficient.
- Earlier closure would negatively impact the Lovewell cafe, a social enterprise supporting survivors of domestic violence.
- Hooning and speeding are a police matter.
While the council has resisted calls for earlier closures, Lovewell cafe’s management is willing to collaborate with koala advocates and the council to find a solution that addresses everyone’s needs. Deputy Mayor Adams has also requested increased police patrols to address concerns about speeding and hooning.
With a small but growing koala population estimated at 40 to 60 individuals, Mt Gravatt Outlook Reserve represents a crucial habitat for these iconic marsupials. As the debate continues, the fate of Mt Gravatt’s koalas hangs in the balance.
Published Date 16-December-2024
