In a recent announcement, Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW) has released a response to community submissions on the long-awaited upgrade to Appin Road between Mount Gilead, south of Campbelltown and Appin Village - a notorious stretch threatening the survival of the local koala population.

The announcement includes both much-welcomed additional safety measures to reduce the number of koalas killed on the road being implemented sooner alongside a continued disappointing lack of action on ensuring koalas and other wildlife can move safely across their habitat.

these minor changes to timeframes reflect ongoing community concern and action, and partially respond to the finding so new scientific research on the critical importance of connectivity to the survivability of the critically important local koala population.

In short, TfNSW is continuing to prioritise an exclusion rather than a safer movement approach, prioritising expedience over improved outcomes.

The Koala Haven at Risk

Campbelltown is home to Sydney's only chlamydia-free koala population, a rare positive for a species now listed as endangered and under threat of extinction by 2050 if the government does not do more to protect them.

However, the proposed road upgrade, bisecting critical habitat between the Nepean and Georges Rivers, poses a significant threat. The area's importance is underscored by the catastrophic toll on wildlife attempting to cross Appin Road. Over 30 koalas were lost in just over a year, amounting to approximately 10% of the local population.

An improvement timeline for exclusion fencing, and koala escape hatches

TfNSW Submissions Report outlines that temporary koala exclusion fencing will be installed sooner. The temporary fencing will join the recently installed permanent exclusion fencing at Mt Gilead, fencing which has increased impacts on wildlife through what is known as end of fence effects.

Without any wildlife crossings in place, koalas and other wildlife are forced to the end of the recently installed fence. At the end of the fence, they face an increased risk of being hit and killed, with several koalas having become trapped on the road.

Previously announced koala escape hatches, which provide a means for trapped koalas to move away from the road through the exclusion fence, are also mentioned in the report. No time frame has been provided.

A specific request from WIRES, these hatches will be monitored for effectiveness.

Underpasses: A Dark Choice

Despite community concerns and expert advice, TfNSW continues to refuse to build a wildlife crossing at the Mallaty Creek Corridor and are continuing to promote a dark concrete tunnel at the Brian Road intersection.

Alongside the proposed design being a dark concrete tunnel, it does not open on to a koala habitat. A wildlife crossing is needed at Brian Road, and it must be fit for purpose.

In specifying underpasses, TfNSW has ignored the advice of WIRES, widely respected ecologists, and the wishes of the broader community.

Mallaty Creek is a critically important wildlife habitat corridor, and the shortest route between the Nepean and Georges Rivers. Not surprisingly, it is repeatedly used by koalas and other wildlife and a devastating number continue to be killed whilst trying to cross Appin Road at that location. A wildlife crossing at Mallaty creek is fundamental to the survivability of the local koala population.

Overpasses and Land Bridges vs. Underpasses

Respected ecologists, WIRES and the broader community continue to call for fit-for-purpose wildlife crossings to be installed. For koalas and other large mammals overpasses and land bridges which replicate habitat are the most effective.

The decision to specify a tunnel at the Brian Road intersection reflects that TfNSW has favoured expediency over wildlife-centred designs, which is repeatedly made clear through the May 2025 Submissions Report.

WIRES advocates for overpasses, citing their effectiveness in various locations globally. Overpasses are fit-for-purpose wildlife-centred designs that are more appropriate, known to be very effective and support an array of wildlife. Overpasses offer further improvements over land bridges, as land bridges provide significant enhancements over underpasses.

Overpasses are more inviting to wildlife, directly replicate habitat, are open to natural light, and provide safe means for a diversity of wildlife to move unhindered. An additional benefit is significantly reduced traffic sound impacts on wildlife. 

Overpasses have been effectively installed at many locations in Australia and worldwide, representing best-practice wildlife-centred design. Cost-effective and wildlife-centred designs can and should be built on Appin Road. They can be built at the same locations as the approved underpasses, with minimal impacts on existing habitat and current road users.

Overpasses along Appin Road reflect the advice in the Chief Scientist's report on a crucial need to maintain the existing connectivity of habitat between the Nepean and Georges Rivers. This connectivity is essential to ensure the survivability of the local koala population.

The Urgent Need for Lower Speed Limits

WIRES advocates a multifaceted approach to mitigate the threat, including the call for lower speed limits on Appin Road. The current speed limit of 80 kilometres per hour is insufficient; a reduction to 70 kilometres per hour would be an improvement, with a safe speed much closer to 50 kilometres per hour.

Lowering speed limits is a crucial and tangible step the government can take promptly to protect the koala population near Appin Road. This is an important measure that can be taken until other long-term mitigation strategies are fully implemented.

Whilst acknowledging that lowering the speed limit would improve safety, TfNSW continue to refuse to do so. The minute increase in travel time for road users is cited as too great an impact to reduce deaths of koalas and other wildlife.

WIRES Volunteers Making a Difference

Amidst the surge in koala fatalities on Appin Road, it's crucial to recognise WIRES volunteers on the front lines. These individuals are the backbone of rescue and rehabilitation efforts. WIRES volunteers respond to distress calls, rescue injured koalas from the roadside, and provide critical care.

Their role extends beyond the immediate rescue – they endure the emotionally challenging task of recording road deaths and collecting bodies for transport to the Koala Health Hub for necropsy. Without their dedication, the staggering rate of koala deaths would remain unknown and unaddressed. The commitment of these volunteers brings attention to the urgency of the situation, shaping the ongoing efforts to safeguard one of the last healthy koala colonies in the state. Their efforts and work are instrumental in shedding light on the issue and driving collective action to protect these iconic Australian marsupials.

The Cost of Expediency

WIRES calls on TfNSW and the NSW government to put wildlife ahead of expediency in decision-making. Ensuring overpasses or land bridges are built including at Malatty Creek, are essential to ensure the maintenance of wildlife corridors and the survival of the local koala population.

These fundamental changes reflect the chief scientists' advice, expert advice during the public consultation, and the broader community's wishes.

The decisions made in the Appin Road upgrade are pivotal in determining the future of the Campbelltown koala population. WIRES stands firm in its call for overpasses, championing wildlife-centric designs that align with expert advice and community aspirations. It's time to prioritise the survival of the koala population and safeguard the ecological balance for generations to come.

Take Action Now: Safeguard Koalas on Appin Road!

The urgency to protect our precious koalas on Appin Road cannot be overstated, and you can make a difference! Join WIRES in calling for immediate action by contacting Jenny Aitchison, the Minister for Roads. Here's how you can contribute:

1. Demand a Reduced Speed Limit: Contact Jenny Aitchison and insist on a lowered speed limit on Appin Road until proper wildlife crossings are implemented. The current speed limit of 80km is insufficient, and a reduction to at least 70km, with an ideal safe speed closer to 50km, is essential. Lowering speed limits is a tangible and immediate step towards safeguarding our koalas.
2. Advocate for Overpasses, Not Underpasses: Urge Jenny Aitchison to reconsider the approved underpasses and instead implement overpasses. Overpasses are wildlife-centric, effective, and align with best practices globally. They provide a safer means for wildlife to move across their habitat, minimising the risk of fatal vehicle strikes. Your voice can influence this critical decision and improve our koalas' outcomes.
3. Contact Your Local MP: If you're in the Campbelltown and Wollondilly area, contact your local Member of Parliament. Express your concerns about the alarming rate of koala deaths on Appin Road and emphasise the importance of immediate measures, including reduced speed limits and the replacement of underpasses with overpasses. Local support is crucial to amplify the call for wildlife protection.

Contact Information:

Jenny Aitchison, Minister for Roads:

• maitland@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Your Local MP for Campbelltown and Wollondilly:

• Greg Warren, Member for Campbelltown
• Judy Hannan, Member for Wollondilly

Your voice matters, and your advocacy can help protect our koalas. Let's ensure that Appin Road becomes a safer passage for these iconic Australian marsupials.