It’s the season of romance for koalas and the time for drivers in the Byron Shire to really be aware of them when driving, especially around dusk and dawn.

Koala breeding season runs from June to December, and this means the marsupials are looking for a mate.

“What we see at this time of year are koalas, especially males, really covering some ground at night in their search for females, and this means they are often crossing roads and can be hit by cars,” Liz Caddick, from Council’s Biodiversity team, said.

“We are so fortunate to have koalas in our area, and it is very sad when these precious animals are hit by cars.

“Council, in collaboration with community groups such as Friends of the Koala and Bangalow Koalas, is always looking for ways to alert drivers about koalas and the need to take extra care on roads,” Ms Caddick said.

A 2022 study from Transport for NSW found that of the 30 hotspots for koala vehicle strikes in the State, six were in the Byron Shire.

“Last year, we installed a solar lighting tower on Broken Head Road near the Byron Bay Golf Club, where several koalas were killed.

“Also on Broken Head Road, towards Ballina, we installed three electronic speed-activated signs to show drivers if they are driving too fast in a koala zone,” Ms Caddick said.

“Koala zones are also operational on Coolamon Scenic Drive and Coorabell Road (near Federal), and on-road signage is on Mafeking Road and Bangalow Road.

“There are also new lights and electronic signage on the Hinterland Way near Bangalow,” she said.

People can report a sick or injured koala, 24 hours a day, to Friends of the Koala on 02 6622 1233.