Port Stephens Drive, Salamander Bay
| Expected start month | Expected completion month | Status | Budget | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 2022 | TBC | In progress | $845k |  |
This project is 100% grant funded by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.
Latest updates
23 May 2023
Work on the next stage of the Koala Crossing Project will start late May / early June. These works are for the installation of the koala-proof fencing on both sides of Port Stephens Drive.
When we begin, you'll see some tree removal and pruning. We've thoughtfully designed and placed the fence to be respectful of the natural environment and koala habitats, and to reduce the amount of trees that need to be pruned or removed.
The works are expected to be completed in 6 weeks (weather permitting). Please expect traffic delays and follow traffic controller’s directions.
The Koala underpass/culvert crossing has been installed under Port Stephens Drive along with road reinstatement over the top of the underpass.
Although the fauna underpass has been installed, it's not currently functional until the exclusion fencing is installed to encourage Koalas through the underpass and prevent them from crossing the road.
Until the fauna exclusion fencing is installed, please be mindful of your speed when driving along Port Stephens Drive and keep an eye out for Port Stephens most well-known animal.
What still needs to be done?
- Tree and vegetation trimming
- Koala fencing along both sides of Port Stephens Drive
- Koala connectivity structures (escape structures)
- Monitoring device installation
Why has there been a delay in work being completed by the end of 2022?
Council is required to follow processes to undertake works and these processes have taken a little longer than expected. This area is highly sensitive and environmental due diligence activities have taken some time to complete satisfactorily.
When work is expected to recommence and will the project be completed in 2023?
Work is expected to recommence in late May or early June 2023, outside of busy holiday periods. The completion date is unknown at this stage as material, contractor availability and weather are variable, however, we will endeavour to complete it as soon as possible.
Project Description
Port Stephens Council received funding under the NSW Koala Strategy to deliver a range of initiatives to help reduce koala vehicle strike along Port Stephens Drive. This area was identified as a blackspot under the NSW Koala Strategy. The project is designed to reduce the number of koala deaths and injury in this area.
The works will involve the installation of the following key components:
- 3.7km of Koala-proof fencing along both sides of Port Stephens Drive
- 850m of retrofitted Koala-proof fencing to the existing Horizons Golf Course fence
- 1 x 20 m long box culvert fauna underpass
- Koala grids (similar to cattle grid) across two road intersections
- Koala connectivity structures (fence crossing poles and escape structures).
Koala-proof fencing helps direct koalas to road crossing structures such as underpasses. The underpass being installed acts as a new habitat connectivity barrier for the koalas and which will reduce their access to Port Stephens Drive. Koala grids (similar to cattle grids), are also being installed to help deter koalas from crossing intersections as their legs can slip through the gaps made by the grids.
Download the Port Stephens Drive Koala Blackspot Project factsheet (PDF 1.9 MB) for more information
