After years of advocacy and growing community pressure, crucial wildlifeβsaving infrastructure is beginning to take shape along one of the regionβs most hazardous koala corridors. Work on the Glen Lorne koala underpass on Appin Roadβsituated near Noorumba Reserve and the expanding Figtree Hill developmentβis now advancing after significant delays. Progress was stalled due to a landβaccess standoff between corporate landholders, highlighting the risks of relying on developers to deliver such essential environmental infrastructure.
Appin Road has recorded over 52 koala deaths since January 2022, making safe fauna movement a critical priority. The new underpass, built as a concrete box culvert, will reconnect habitat on either side of the new 4-lane roadway. Fauna fencing will guide wildlife into the structure, while timber walking rails, refuge poles, rocks and native plantings will encourage animals to use it naturally to avoid the road and predators.
This project underscores a broader truth: plants and animals must be able to move freely across the landscape. Roads and development fracture ecosystems, isolate species, reduce genetic diversity, and magnify risks during crises like bushfires. Reconnecting habitat is essential.
Wildlife infrastructure is beginning to emerge across our region. Nearby, Cawleys Bridge on the M1 Princes Motorway near Heathcote is being transformed into a purposeβbuilt βliving corridorβ, repurposing a disused overpass to allow animals to cross safely above heavy traffic. The bridge links the Royal National Park, Heathcote National Park, and Garawarra State Conservation Area, an especially critical passage during extreme events like bushfires. Additional improvements along Heathcote Road, including fauna fencing and dedicated crossing structures, are further strengthening local habitat connectivity.
Looking forward, a wildlife underpass at Ousedale Creek on Appin Road is scheduled for construction in 2027. To support this future link, the Southwest Sydney Koala Project has joined forces with the Macarthur Motorcycle Club to safeguard and enhance their extensive property along Ousedale Creek. Restoration work has included weed removal, the closure of bush tracks to reduce erosion into creek lines, and the planting of a new wildlife corridor and koala carersβ food plantation. The property has also become a designated release site for koalas returning to the wild after care.
Animal infrastructure must be at the forefront of urban design, no longer an afterthought. These projects show what is possible when community, science, and planning work together for the future of our wildlife.
About the Southwest Sydney Koala Project
Greater Sydney Landcare received funding from the NSW Government to help deliver the NSW Koala Strategy across the Campbelltown and Appin/Wilton areas.
The Southwest Sydney Koala ProjectΒ includes conservation efforts such asΒ encouraging connectivity with corridor plantings that include preferred koala food trees on private and public property.Β Numerous other conservation actions have been carried out in this partnership program between July 2022 and June 2026, including road kill mitigation, wildlife carer support, community engagement and awareness raising and education.
