Koala Safety Fencing and Measures Guideline - Koala Response Strategy A Guideline for the draft South East Queensland Koala Conservation State ...
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Koala Safety Fencing
and Measures Guideline
A Guideline for the draft South East Queensland Koala Conservation
State Planning Regulatory Provisions (December 2009)
Koala Response Strategy
Table of Contents
Explanatory Statement.......................................................................................................................... 3
1. Koala Safety Fencing and Measures requirements ............................................................................ 4
Table 1 Solutions to KSFM Requirements .......................................................................................... 5
2. Koala Safety Fencing and Measures Solutions — Options applicable to development type ............. 10
Table 2 KSFM Solutions and Development Type ............................................................................... 11
3. General koala information ...............................................................................................................13
4. Reference documents and further information sources ....................................................................14
Glossary ..............................................................................................................................................15
Figures ............................................................................................................................................... 16
2 Koala Safety Fencing and Measures Guideline
Explanatory Statement This Guideline is comprised of three sections—
Section 1 outlines and discusses each of the five
The purpose of the Koala Safety Fencing and Measures
(5) requirements for KSFM and provides
Guideline (the Guideline) is to provide direction and
solutions for each requirement;
supporting information on Koala Safety Fencing and
Measures (KSFM) applicable to development in the Section 2 identifies which solutions for each KSFM
South East Queensland Koala Protection Area (SEQKPA) requirement that would be applicable to
and to assist development to meet the Development different development types; and
Assessment Code requirements of the draft South
East Queensland Koala Conservation State Planning Section 3 provides general koala information to assist
Regulatory Provisions (December 2009). with consideration of alternative solutions
KSFM is based on koala sensitive design principles. Information on reference documents relevant to the
implementation of KSFM and a Glossary are also
It is a tool to ensure measures that avoid, minimise and included with this Guideline.
mitigate the impacts of development and associated
infrastructure on koalas and koala habitat. Local governments or the development industry may
have additional development requirements and/or
It ensures these measures are incorporated into a other innovative solutions that address permeability
development approval and delivery process. or reduce threats to koalas arising from development.
These solutions may be complementary to those
The aim of koala sensitive design is to achieve
provided in this Guideline. Where an alternative solution
development that will:
is proposed, in determining the appropriateness of the
1. retain and protect koala habitat values in their proposal, Assessment Managers should ensure the
natural state to maximise and provide koalas with measures meet or exceed the requirements of koala
feeding, resting and movement opportunities; safety fencing and measures provided in this Guideline.
2. achieve permeability to provide for the safe General koala biology, ecology and behaviour (see
movement of koalas within and across a site; and section 3 of this Guideline) should also be considered
3. reduce threats to resident and transient koalas. when endeavouring to develop alternative koala safety
fencing and measures solutions.
The Development Assessment Code at Annexe 2,
Schedule 3 of the draft South East Queensland Koala
Conservation State Planning Regulatory Provisions
(December 2009) specifically facilitates the aim of
retaining and protecting koala habitat values in their
natural state to maximise and provide koalas with
feeding, resting and movement opportunities (for
example, through its requirements relating to habitat
retention and vegetation clearing).
The measures outlined in this Guideline address the
permeability and threat reduction aims only. This
Guideline is to be used to assist development meet
the requirements of the KSFM Probable Solutions as
required by the Development Assessment Code for the
draft South East Queensland Koala Conservation State
Planning Regulatory Provisions (December 2009). It may
also provide guidance to development occurring in other
areas with koala populations and koala habitat values.
The Development Assessment Code also includes
requirements which may be broadly considered part
of ensuring development design and delivery does not
impact on koalas, such as sequential clearing practices.
These requirements are not repeated in this Guideline.
Koala Safety Fencing and Measures Guideline 3
1. Koala Safety Fencing and In all instances options for each KSFM requirement
identified as applicable to the development type must
Measures requirements be fully met in order to achieve compliance with the
Guideline. However, where applicable, combinations of
Koala mortality can be a direct result of human-induced
options should be considered to maximise the inclusion
threats arising as a consequence of urbanisation and
of KSFM design, thereby achieving best practice by
development. Development results in initial impacts
mitigating the impact of development on koalas to the
to koalas associated with the clearing of koala habitat
greatest extent possible.
and longer term impacts as a result of the introduction
of threats (such as roads, cars and dogs) once the These requirements are outlined in Table 1 Solutions to
development is established. KSFM Requirements with associated options to allow the
design of developments that are sensitive to the needs
This KSFM Guideline addresses five (5) areas of
of koalas. Other solutions that are not identified in this
requirements, which in various combinations, work
Guideline are encouraged where they will provide a
to avoid, minimise and mitigate the impacts of
similar outcome.
development on koalas and their habitat.
Additional supportive information is provided with the
These are:
Solutions to assist in understanding and meeting the
4. Koala Fencing – Inappropriate fencing impedes KSFM requirement.
the safe movements of koalas and reduces the
permeability of the environment. Koala friendly
fencing can be used to allow koala movement
between areas of habitat and can be erected within
properties or on site/lot boundaries.
5. Roads – Road mortality is one of the major causes
of death or serious injury of koalas when roads
bisect koala habitat. This requirement is about the
placement and design of roads to allow koalas to
safely traverse the landscape.
6. Pools – The drowning of koalas in pools is avoided
or reduced by incorporating features to allow koalas
to easily exit the pool or by preventing access to the
pool.
7. Dogs – Domestic dog attacks on koalas result in
serious injury or death to koalas and is one of the
major threats to koalas in the urban area. This
requirement provides measures to limit dog and
koala interactions.
8. Community Engagement – Education and
cooperation of the public is required to achieve
koala conservation outcomes.
4 Koala Safety Fencing and Measures Guideline
Table 1 Solutions to KSFM Requirements
KSFM Solutions Additional supporting information
Requirement
Koala Koala Friendly Option A Koalas try to go through, under and then
Fencing Fencing around a structure before attempting to climb
Allow koalas to easily climb through a fence built from minimal
Material over. Fencing raised off the ground allows
fencing materials such as post and rail with a minimum gap of 300
koala movement with the least resistance and
mm between rails, or other fencing material that has holes or gaps of
achieves maximum permeabilityacross the
a minimum of 300 mm in diameter, and the first gap is flush with the
site.
ground or no more than 400 mm from the ground. (Fig. 1).
Koalas can become trapped in fencing as they
Option B
try to squeeze through palings and rails..
Allow koalas to easily climb over a fence:
Fence design needs to ensure that gaps in the
(1) Use rails or slats that have spaces of at least 10 mm between fence are:
vertical slats and 20 mm between horizontal rails that koalas can
• large enough to allow easy access to pass
climb (Fig. 2 and Fig. 3); or
through; or
(2) Choose materials such as timber posts or chain wire that a koala
• of a size (i.e. less than 10 cm) to allow
can easily grip and climb. (Fig. 4).
koalas to climb over, but prevent koalas
climbing through the fence.
Incorporate Option C Incorporate structures or designs in
Koala Friendly association with fencing material that provide
Build the fence to incorporate existing vegetation/trees. (Fig. 5).
Additions to a means for koalas to climb over fences,
Fencing Option D retaining walls or other structures.
Leave vegetation on either side of the fence with canopies or trunks
extending beyond the height of the fence and where canopies are
connected or tree trunks are less than 1m apart. (Fig. 6).
Option E
Install a timber post or log (of at least 125 mm in width or diameter)
leaning against the top of the fence but positioned at an angle to the
fence so that the log is not flush with the fence (i.e. the space between
the base of the log and the bottom of the fence is at least 400 mm. (Fig.
7).
Option F
Install ladders of the following dimensions and design:
(1) Ladder rungs are timber and at least 300 mm in width, 50 – 100
mm in height and a minimum of 20 mm in depth to provide grip for
koalas (Fig. 8); and
(2) Rungs are spaced horizontally with a 150 – 400 mm gap between
rungs for ease of climbing; and
(3) Attachment material is webbed or latticed to provide additional
footholds for koalas.
Option G
Install a simple koala bridge (particularly suited to security fences) (Fig.
9) using timber logs of at least 125 mm in diameter of the following
design:
(1) Timber logs are positioned adjacent to and within 1 m of each other
on either side of the fence and extend for at least 1m above the
fence; or
(2) A cross piece of similar diameter to the logs connects the two
vertical timber posts that are within 1 – 4 m of each other on either
side of the fence .
Additional requirements for Options C to G
The frequency of these measures used to allow koalas to manoeuvre
over unfriendly fencing are provided:
(1) At least once in a backyard to allow animals to exit a property; or
(2) At least once every 50 m where the length of the impassable
barrier/fencing is greater than 200 m.
Koala Safety Fencing and Measures Guideline 5
KSFM Solutions Additional supporting information
Requirement
Koala Option H Koala exclusion fencing prohibits the
Exclusion movement of koalas and reduces the
Fencing material is unclimbable, such as brick (Fig. 10), metal sheeting
Fencing permeability of a site or area. It is therefore
(Fig. 11), Perspex or timber fencing without gaps between fencing.
only to be used where it can be demonstrated
Option I that it will prevent koalas from entering an area
Fencing material is chain wire with a floppy top that falls in the that poses a direct threat to their safety.
direction that the koala will attempt to climb the fence. (Fig. 12). Only the following applications are suitable for
Option J the use of koala exclusion fencing:
Fencing material is climbable but incorporates smooth sheeting or (1) Fencing is used on domestic dog
Perspex of at least 600 mm in width on the top of the fence (including enclosures within larger properties
posts and supports) (Fig. 13). greater than or equal to 800 m2 (small lot
properties should adopt other measures to
Additional requirements for Options H to J reduce dog and koala interactions); or
(1) Fence bracing/supports are on the inside of the fence; and (2) Fencing safeguards koalas from high
(2) The top of the unclimbable section of fencing is at least 1.5 m from speed/high volume roads or train lines
the ground to prohibit koalas jumping up from the ground and by funnelling koalas to where safe
gripping the top of the fencing; and crossing structures (fauna underpasses or
overpasses) have been installed; or
(3) Fencing has a gap of less than 100 mm between the ground and
the fence; and (3) Pool fencing where pool design is unsafe
for koalas; or
(4) Vegetation adjacent to the fence is maintained to:
(4) Temporary fencing that prohibits access
a. exclude trees and shrubs from within 3 m of the fence; and to areas where construction or operational
b. keep canopies of trees trimmed to remove links to tree canopies activities may cause harm to koalas, such
on the other side of the fence; and as pits/trenches which may trap koalas.
(Fig. 14)
c. remove fallen branches and vines growing on the fence to
maintain fence effectiveness.
Roads Road Siting Option A Road siting and design mitigates threats
and Design to koala movement across the site by
(1) Roads near identified koala crossing points are designed to limit
acknowledging and planning for:
traffic speeds by incorporating the following ‘go slow’ features:
(1) The location of koala habitat and habitat
a. Narrowing roads (Fig. 15); and/or
linkages to ensure that significant
b. Curving roads (Fig. 16); and/or habitat areas are not dissected or further
c. Incorporating structures to slow vehicles, such as speed bumps. fragmented;
(2) Allow minor deviations in roads and driveways to retain important (2) The number of vehicles likely to use the
koala habitat trees. proposed road;
(3) Road siting avoids bisecting large habitat areas and minimises (3) Anticipated vehicle speeds; and
clearing of koala habitat. (4) The likely volumes of traffic between 6pm
(4) Lighting is incorporated in new and existing roads, particularly at and 6am.
identified or potential koala crossing points, to reduce koala and Koalas are most active between dusk and
vehicle collisions. dawn and can move over 1km per night.
(5) Vegetation and landscaping is managed to increase the visibility of Lighting roads at identified or potential koala
koalas entering the roadway with: crossing points can effectively reduce koala
deaths due to car strike by increasing their
a. Grassy road verges mown regularly; and visibility to motorists at night,..
b. Lower branches of vegetation within median strips or within 2 m Road design and alignment is consistent with
of the road are trimmed above 60 cm so that koalas are visible Policy 12: Local road placement, design and
entering the road way; and upgrade of the Koala Plan.
c. Dense bushes and shrubs are not planted to the edge of the Road construction should be planned to
roadway that hinder a koala’s exit off the road. avoid the koala breeding season (August to
(6) Incorporate trees within traffic islands (particularly at ‘go slow’ December) when koalas are most active.
points) and streetscapes (in association with wide road reserves) – High visibility along roadsides is key to limiting
these trees may or may not be koala food trees. and preventing car strike causing death or
(7) Retain or create interlocking tree canopies over roads. serious injury to koalas.
(8) Installation of koala crossing warning signs (Fig. 17).
Option B
State-controlled roads minimise the risk to koalas crossing roads and
follow the key principles in Fauna Sensitive Road Design – Volume 1
or other relevant DTMR wildlife road mitigation policies (Department of
Transport and Main Roads).
6 Koala Safety Fencing and Measures Guideline
KSFM Solutions Additional supporting information
Requirement
Crossing Option C Underpasses that exceed 20 m in length have
Structures - been found to be less effective than those that
One or multiple underpasses are installed to facilitate the safe crossing
Underpasses are less than 20 m, deterring koala use due to
of koalas between habitat on either side of a road (Fig. 18).
lack of natural light. New or upgraded roads
Additional requirements for Option C requiring culverts to allow koala movement
(1) The underpass is of an appropriate dimension for the width of the should be designed as split carriageways to
road to allow natural night time light filtration into the structure. avoid lengthy underpasses.
(2) ‘Koala furniture’ is placed in the crossing structure to facilitate The dimension of underpasses should be:
koala movement (Fig. 19): • Box culvert of 3m (H) x 3 m (W) – especially
a. Horizontal logs are placed as high off the ground as possible for four lanes or more;
for koalas to avoid predators with a minimum space of 600 mm • Box culvert of 1.5 m (H) x 1.5 m (W) as a
between the top of the horizontal log and the structure’s roof; minimum for a single or dual carriageway
and (this size may include koala furniture).
b. Horizontal logs are supported by vertical logs at regular intervals
(approximately 5 m) along the underpass for koalas to ascend or
descend the koala furniture as required; and
c. Logs are greater or equal to 150 mm in diameter, or horizontal
planks are greater or equal to 150 mm in width; and
d. Koala furniture extends beyond the underpass into koala
habitat.
(3) Underpass floors are designed to remain dry at all times except
in significant rain events where the structure quickly dries out,
or ledges or koala furniture are incorporated in the underpass to
provide a dry path for movement.
(4) Vegetation is retained up to the entrance/exit of the underpass but
does not obstruct the access to the structure or the view to habitat
beyond the underpass by animals entering the structure.
(5) Koala exclusion fencing is used to funnel koalas to the underpass.
Crossing Option D Overpasses provide a more natural avenue
Structures - for koalas to cross roads and negate the
One or multiple overpasses are installed to facilitate the safe crossing
Overpasses lighting and flooding issues associated with
of koalas between habitat on either side of a road (Fig. 20).
underpasses.
Additional requirements for Option D
The substrate should resemble forest floor,
(1) The overpass is as wide as possible, with a minimum width of 60 however, koalas will traverse unnatural
cm to comfortably accommodate the crossing of koalas. substrates such as cement.
(2) The overpass is built with rigid or semi rigid materials that do not
have a large degree of flexibility that a koala would find unstable
traversing.
(3) Vegetation or refuge poles are incorporated if the overpass
(particularly if this is a land bridge) is accessible by predators.
(4) Koala exclusion fencing is incorporated to funnel koalas to the
crossing structure.
Natural Option E Natural crossing points are usually associated
Crossing with pedestrian and vehicle bridges where
One or multiple under-bridge crossings are designed to facilitate the
Points under koalas can move along the ground while traffic
safe crossing of koalas between habitat on either side of a road.
bridges is diverted above the habitat.
Additional requirements for Option E
(1) Bridge footings are set back from the creek edge to provide koalas
with natural movement opportunities across unsubmerged or non-
waterlogged land beneath the bridge.
(2) Vegetation along creeklines is managed to reduce weeds or
overgrown areas that will restrict permeability between habitat
areas.
(3) Koala exclusion fencing is incorporated to funnel koalas to the
natural crossing point.
Koala Safety Fencing and Measures Guideline 7
KSFM Solutions Additional supporting information
Requirement
Additional (1) Crossing structures are placed at regular intervals along sections of Structures to facilitate safe and unimpeded
requirements road adjacent to koala habitat or habitat linkages, at a maximum koala movement across roads are incorporated
for Crossing distance of one structure every 2 km; and into road design and layout where roads bisect
structures or fragment koala habitat and major habitat
(2) Sited where koala exclusion fencing of adequate length
– Options C linkages.
(a minimum of 150 m) on either side of crossing structure can be
to E
incorporated into the design; and Crossing structures should be designed and
installed for the specific purpose of facilitating
(3) Designed with fencing that has a return at the completion of the
koalas (and other fauna which have similar
koala exclusion fencing to encourage koalas back into habitat and
requirements) across or under roads and not
not directly onto the road; and
for dual purposes – e.g. underpasses used for
(4) Additional features, such as escape poles (Fig. 21), koala gates drainage, or overpasses including pedestrian
or other designs, are used on the road side of the koala exclusion or vehicle access.
fencing to allow koalas trapped in the road corridor to exit to
The installation of crossing structures more
habitat.
frequently than one every 2km will reduce the
(5) Vegetated habitat linkages are retained or established by securing impact on the resident koalas that may have
habitat on either side of the road. used both sides of a road.
Road Option F Roads are fitted with a range of measures
construction to reduce koala and vehicle collisions,
Road safety barriers are retrofitted with suitable material (see Koala
work particularly at identified or potential koala
Fencing Option F above) that koalas can climb to exit the road (Fig. 22).
crossing points.
Pools Koala Friendly Option A The floatation device and length of rope allows
Pool Design koalas to better find the rope in the pool, while
Pools are designed with a shallow lagoon-style entry where the pool
the diameter and position of the rope on the
water is level with part of the surrounding pavement (Fig. 23).
ground allows the koala to easily grip the rope
Option B and climb out of the pool.
The pool incorporates a rope with a floatation device on the end, with
the following specifications (Fig. 24):
(1) The rope has a minimum diameter of 5 cm; and
(2) The rope is anchored securely to a point beyond the pool close to
the ground; and
(3) The rope is long enough to float at least 2m into the pool.
Koala Option C The use of exclusion fencing for pools is only to
Exclusion be applied to fence pools where koala friendly
Koala exclusion fencing is used where pool fencing does not
Pool Design pool design is not utilised (see Pool Options A
incorporate boundary fencing whilst also complying with pool fencing
and B).
safety regulation standards.
The drowning of koalas in pools is avoided by
Additional requirement for Option C
prohibiting their access to the pool area.
Appropriate landscaping that prohibits koalas entering the pool area is
Pool fencing must also comply with Australian
used on properties where exclusion fencing is used.
Standards and relevant State and Local
government requirements’.
safety standards. See AS 1926.1 – 1993
Swimming pool safety Part 1: Fencing for
swimming pools.
Appropriate landscaping incorporates
plantings and structures that are not within
reach or jumping distance of the top of the
fence by a koala (3m), and does not allow
formation of a canopy between plantings/
trees within and outside of the pool fencing/
boundary (see Koala Exclusion Fencing –
Additional requirements for Option H – J, (4)).
Dogs Dog Free Option A Planning for dog free development in key koala
Development habitat aims to avoid domestic dog and koala
The development is designated dog-free by way of a covenant (as part
encounters and thereby reduce koala deaths.
of a condition on approval) to prohibit, in perpetuity, the keeping of
dogs in the estate.
8 Koala Safety Fencing and Measures Guideline
KSFM Solutions Additional supporting information
Requirement
Dog Denning/ Option B Domestic dog and koala encounters are
Confinement minimised though the denning or confinement
Lots greater than 2 000 m2 have an area of the yard dedicated as a dog
of dogs to the house or portion of the yard
enclosure/dog run where dogs are denned, confined or movements
during peak koala activity periods, e.g.
restricted (with access to water and shelter) within the lot between 6pm
between 6pm and 6am. Koalas are most
and 6am.
vulnerable to dog attack at night. However
Additional requirements for Option B koalas may travel through backyards during
(1) Koala exclusion fencing is used around the dog’s enclosure (but daylight hours at any time of the year.
not property boundary) to prohibit koala access to the dog’s area.
(2) Vegetation adjacent to fencing is managed to ensure koala
exclusion fencing effectiveness (see Koala Exclusion Fencing –
Additional requirements for Option H – J).
Option C
Lots less than 2 000 m2 have dogs tethered or on a run (with access to
water and shelter) or confined to the house or veranda/patio between
6pm and 6am (Fig. 25).
Additional (1) The dog enclosure, run or area where koala is tethered is sited to Domestic dog and koala encounters are
Requirements exclude koala habitat trees and avoid known movement paths or minimised through the use of appropriate
for Options B habitat linkages on the lot or between adjacent areas/lots. fencing. Refer Koala Fencing section above.
and C
(2) Koala friendly fencing is used to facilitate koala movement through
a backyard to reduce the amount of time a koala spends on the
ground within reach of a dog (particularly during daytime hours
when the dog may not be restrained).
Signage Option D
Signage is used in public spaces to advise of koala presence and the
need to restrain dogs, particularly between the hours of 6pm and 6am
(Fig. 26).
Community Education Option A Residential developments incorporate
Engagement measures to educate residents about koalas
Installation of notification signs to inform residents/community that
and their role in perpetuating the KSFM
koalas are present in an area and actions that can be taken to protect
outcomes of the area.
koalas (Fig. 27).
Option B
Interpretative signage identifies koala habitat, koala food trees or other
KSFM features.
Option C
Home buyers/builders/site managers/tenants are informed about
the KSFM features included in the development and are aware of their
obligations to achieve these KSFM objectives.
Covenants/ Option D
Community
Covenants or body corporate titles are used to:
Title/Body
Corporate (1) Retain habitat on properties;
Provisions (2) Identify species appropriate or not appropriate for landscaping;
(3) Regulate clearing practices;
(4) Minimise threats to koalas from dogs, fences, roads and swimming
pools.
Additional requirement for Option D
Residents/owners/occupants will receive reminders of their obligations
under covenants/community title/body corporate provisions to
promote koala conservation.
Koala Safety Fencing and Measures Guideline 9
2. Koala Safety Fencing and Example Two: Non-community infrastructure recreation
(open field facilities)
Measures Solutions — Options An application is made to clear vegetation over 500 m2
applicable to development type for the purposes of installing netball (tarmac) fields.
The courts will be used for day and night fixtures until
This section provides guidance on the options outlined approximately 11pm, 4 nights a week. The area is located
in Table 1 that are applicable to different development in a PKMA, KPA1 (open space zone).
types.
The application proposes the following, and meets the
Development has been categorised according to scale requirements of the Guideline—
and type, and accordingly development is expected
• Chain-wire fencing will be used around the court
to meet these KSFM requirements wherever they are
facilities, with the additional inclusion of smooth
applicable to that development.
metal sheeting of 650 mm in width on the top of the
In all instances all options for each KSFM requirement fence (including posts and supports) around the car
applicable to the development type must be fully met park facilities (meets Fencing options B(2) and J);
in order to achieve compliance with the Guideline. • A 10 m access road to facilities will be constructed to
However, where applicable, combinations of options retain important habitat trees, and will incorporate
should be considered to maximise the inclusion of KSFM go-slow structures in the form of speed bumps
design, thereby achieving best practice by mitigating the located in proximity to the retained habitat trees
impact of development on koalas to the greatest extent (meets Road Options A(1)c and (2)). The road will
possible. also include points of lighting around the go-slow
Examples of how development may meet the areas (meets Road Option A(4); and
requirements of the KSFM Guideline— • A sign advising of koala presence and the need to
be aware of koala crossings and to restrain dogs,
Example One: small-scale residential subdivision particularly between the hours of 6 pm and 6am is
A landholder seeks to subdivide their rural-residential erected at the road entry (meets Road Option A(8),
property outside a Priority Koala Management Area Dogs Option D, and Community Engagement
(PKMA) to create five urban residential lots from Option A).
the existing single lot. The application will need to Example Three: Collector/feeder road
address the KSFM requirements for a ‘Larger Greenfield
residential’ type of development. A local government proposes to create a new main road
by widening an existing local road that has a high traffic
The application proposes the following, and meets the volume. Adjacent land uses to the road include a local
requirements of the Guideline— reserve and rural residential development.
• Perimeter fencing for each new lot will be comprised
of timber slats that have spaces of 15 mm between The application proposes the following, and meets the
vertical slats (complies with Fencing option B(1)); requirements of the Guideline—
• No new roads are required – no KSFM obligation; • Koala exclusion fencing in the form of a chain-wire
floppy top fence will be used along the extent of the
• Two of the new lots will each contain a new pool, and
upgraded road, funnelling koalas to a purpose-built
these will be designed with a shallow lagoon-style
underpass crossing structure (meets Road Options C,
entry (complies with Pool Option A);
with use of exclusion fence that meets Fence
• Lots will contain an internal koala exclusion fence Option I);
made of Perspex around a small area of the yard,
• During road construction, safety barriers will be
where dogs—if present—are to be kennelled overnight
retrofitted with materials in accordance with Road
(complies with Dogs Option C and Fencing Option H);
Option F and Fence Option F);
and
• Vegetation will be removed where in close proximity
• A statutory covenant is provided with the application,
to the exclusion fence, but will be retained up to
outlining obligations of any relevant party to maintain
the entrance and exit of the underpass (Meets Road
fencing and kennel dogs (complies with Community
Additional requirements for Option C (4) and Fencing
Engagement option D).
Additional requirements for Options H to J(4)); and
• A sign advising of koala presence and the need to
be aware of koala crossings is erected at each road
entry (meets Road Option A(8), and Community
Engagement option A).
10 Koala Safety Fencing and Measures GuidelineTable 2 KSFM Solutions and Development Type
Development Type KSFM Requirement Mandatory Options to be Addressed
Rural Residential Fencing Any one or more of options A to G for perimeter fencing
Any options H to J for exclusion areas within the property (e.g. dog run)
Roads Options A, C, D and E
Pools Any option/s
Dogs Option A or Option B or C
Community engagement Any one or more option/s where practicable
Single lot Greenfield Fencing Any one or more of options A to G for perimeter fencing;
commercial/
Any options H to J for exclusion areas within the property (e.g. relevant to guard dogs)
industrial
Roads Options A, C, D and E
Pools N/A
Dogs Option A or Option B or C
Community engagement Any one or more option/s where practicable
Larger Greenfield Fencing Any one or more of options A to G for perimeter fencing;
commercial/
Any options H to J for exclusion areas within the property (e.g. relevant to guard dogs)
industrial
Roads Options A, C, D and E
Pools N/A
Dogs Option A or Option B or C
Community engagement Any one or more option/s where practicable
Single lot infill Fencing Any one or more of options A to G for perimeter fencing
commercial/
Any options H to J for exclusion areas within the property (e.g. relevant to guard dogs)
industrial
Roads Options A, C, D and E
Pools N/A
Dogs Option A or Option B or C
Community engagement Any one or more option/s where practicable
Larger infill Fencing Any one or more of options A to G for perimeter fencing;
commercial/
Any options H to J for exclusion areas within the property (e.g. relevant to guard dogs)
industrial
Roads Options A, C, D and E
Pools N/A
Dogs Option A or Option B or C
Community engagement Any one or more option/s where practicable
Single lot Greenfield Fencing Any one or more of options A to G for perimeter fencing;
residential
Any options H to J for exclusion areas within the property.
Roads Options A, C, D and E
Pools Any option/s
Dogs Option A or Option B or C
Community engagement Any one or more option/s where practicable
Larger Greenfield Fencing Any one or more of options A to G for perimeter fencing;
residential
Any options H to J for exclusion areas within the property.
Roads Options A, C, D and E
Pools Any option/s
Dogs Option A or Option B, C or D
Community engagement Any option/s
Single lot infill Fencing Any one or more of options A to G for perimeter fencing;
residential
Any options H to J for exclusion areas within the property.
Roads Options A, C, D and E
Pools Any option/s
Dogs Option A or Option B or C
Community engagement Any one or more option/s where practicable
Koala Safety Fencing and Measures Guideline 11Development Type KSFM Requirement Mandatory Options to be Addressed
Larger infill Fencing Any one or more of options A to G for perimeter fencing;
residential
Any options H to J for exclusion areas within the property.
Roads Options A, C, D and E
Pools Any option/s
Dogs Option A or Option B, C or D
Community engagement Any one or more option/s where practicable
Community Fencing Any one or more options, where fencing is necessary.
infrastructure –
Roads Options A, C, D and E
Linear
Pools N/A
* This excludes state Dogs N/A
controlled and local
road development Community engagement Any one or more option/s where practicable
– see below.
Community Fencing Any one or more of options A to G for perimeter fencing;
infrastructure –
Any options H to J for exclusion areas within the property.
non-linear
Roads Options A, C, D and E
Pools N/A
Dogs N/A
Community engagement Any one or more option/s where practicable
Non community Fencing Any one or more of options A to G for perimeter fencing;
infrastructure
Any options H to J for exclusion areas within the property.
recreation – built
facilities Roads Options A, C, D and E
Pools Any option/s
Dogs N/A
Community engagement Any one or more option/s where practicable
Non community Fencing Any one or more of options A to G for perimeter fencing;
infrastructure
Any options H to J for exclusion areas within the property.
recreation – open
field facilities Roads Options A, C, D and E
Pools N/A
Dogs Any option/s
Community engagement Any one or more option/s where practicable
Non community Fencing Any one or more of options A to G for perimeter fencing;
infrastructure
Any options H to J for exclusion areas within the property.
recreation – camp
grounds, adventure Roads Options A, C, D and E
facilities, etc Pools Any option/s
Dogs Any option/s
Community engagement Any one or more option/s where practicable
State-controlled Fencing Any one or more options, where fencing is necessary.
Road
Roads All options
Pools N/A
Dogs N/A
Community engagement Any one or more option/s where practicable
Collector/feeder road Fencing Any one or more options, where fencing is necessary.
Roads All options except Option B
Pools N/A
Dogs N/A
Community engagement Any one or more option/s where practicable
Local road Fencing Any one or more options, where fencing is necessary.
Roads All options except Option B
Pools N/A
Dogs N/A
Community engagement Any one or more option/s where practicable
12 Koala Safety Fencing and Measures Guideline3. General koala information • Sub adult koalas (approx 1.5 years old) often disperse
kilometres from their place of birth in search of
The following section provides general facts about alternative habitat. Koalas can move over 1km per
the koala, that will help with understanding and night. During breeding season they commonly move
interpretation of these KSFM Guidelines. Further during daylight hours.
information can be found on the DERM website • Koalas are most vulnerable to dog attack at night.
www.derm.qld.gov.au. However during certain times of the year, koalas may
• Koalas are semi-arboreal animals – koalas spend travel through backyards during daylight hours. It
much of their time in trees. However they routinely is best to keep dogs confined to an area of the yard
move across the ground when changing trees or when alone.
moving between habitat areas. • All dogs have the potential to harm koalas, however
• Koalas do not always follow ‘corridors’ or creeklines koalas can better defend themselves against a single
and often move between trees or habitat areas dog of a similar or smaller size. Koalas in Queensland
using the most direct route. These can be , through average 4 – 8 kg in weight.
backyards (Fig. 28) and across roads (Fig. 29). • Adult koalas are of the following general dimensions:
• Koala habitat includes any vegetation that koalas Height walking – average 30 cm ; Reach when
use in their day to day activities and is not limited standing on back legs – maximum for large adult
to eucalypt or related species of tree, particularly 90 cm.
in urban environments. ‘Habitat’ therefore includes • Koalas can jump to the ground from over 2 m, but
other native (or exotic) vegetation that occurs in prefer to descend right to the base of the tree when
association with the eucalypts needed as a food coming down to the ground.
resource. Koala habitat may also include cleared
• Koalas can leap from the ground to around 1.2 m onto
areas that koala use to move between vegetated
a tree or other structure.
patches.
• Koalas prefer to travel across a road in the most direct
route unless forced to use an underpass or overpass
via koala exclusion fencing. Koalas will not climb
across flexible material that bends under their weight,
such as rope bridges.
• When faced with an obstacle (such as fencing), koalas
will try to go under it or through , taking the path of
least resistance/effort before attempting to climb over
the obstacle.
• Koalas can swim, but their fur soon becomes
waterlogged and they often drown if left in the water
for any time. Swimming pools with a lip do not allow
koalas easy access out of the water and they often
swim back and forth around the edge of the pool
looking for an exit.
• Koala breeding season is from August to December
which includes the lead up to mating and the few
months when the majority of mating occurs. In the
lead up to mating there is often jostling and fighting
for dominance among the resident male koalas.
These social pressures are potentially one of the
triggers for the dispersal of young sub adult animals
entering their first breeding season.
Koala Safety Fencing and Measures Guideline 134. Reference documents and
further information sources
The following documents have been used to inform
this KSFM Guideline. These documents may provide
additional information in relation to koala conservation
and koala safety fencing and measures.
Nature Conservation (Koala) Conservation Plan 2006 and
Management Program 2006-2016
Policy 4: Koala survey methodology for site
assessment
Policy 6: Vegetation clearing practices
Policy 11: Rehabilitation of land to provide
koala habitat
Policy 12: Local road placement, design and upgrade
Standards Australia - DR AS-4970: Protection of trees on
development sites
Standards Australia - AS 1926.1 – 1993 Swimming pool
safety Part 1: Fencing for swimming pools
Department of Main Roads - Fauna Sensitive Road
Design Volume 1
14 Koala Safety Fencing and Measures GuidelineGlossary
Words used in this Guideline have the same meaning
as in the draft South East Queensland Koala
Conservation State Planning Regulatory Provisions
(Dec 2009). Particular words used in this Guideline
are defined below.
Supplementary koala habitat tree means a tree that
usually comprises the mid storey forest layer and
includes species such as Casuarina, Acacia, Banksia
and riparian tree species that occur in association
with koala habitat trees to provide shelter or resting
opportunities for koalas.
Koala furniture are structures that are placed within
or used in association with road crossing structures
that increase the ability of koalas to successfully move
through an area, for example, horizontal logs placed
within a culvert may enhance the use of the structure
by koalas.
‘Go Slow’ Point is an area where koalas are known or
anticipated to cross a road and where features have
been incorporated to reduce vehicle speed.
Koala Safety Fencing and Measures Guideline 15Fig. 1 Fig. 2
Fig. 3 Fig. 4
Fig. 5 Fig. 6
16 Koala Safety Fencing and Measures GuidelineFig. 7 Fig. 8
Fig. 9 Fig. 10
Fig. 11 Fig. 12
Koala Safety Fencing and Measures Guideline 17Fig. 13 Fig. 14
Fig. 15 Fig. 16
Fig. 17 Fig. 18
18 Koala Safety Fencing and Measures GuidelineFig. 19 Fig. 20
Fig. 21 Fig. 22
Fig. 23 Fig. 24
Koala Safety Fencing and Measures Guideline 19Fig. 25 Fig. 26
Fig. 27 Fig. 28
Fig. 29
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