Work has officially begun on Sydney’s first koala underpass, part of a $170 million upgrade of Appin Road in Campbelltown aimed at protecting local wildlife while improving road safety.
“I am glad to see work begin on this much-needed project for our community and for our wildlife, and I will be continuing to ensure that the concerns of our community are both raised and actioned appropriately,” Member for Campbelltown Greg Warren said.
Koala exclusion fencing has been installed along both sides of Appin Road between Noorumba Reserve and Beulah Reserve. The project also includes roadside barriers, and road widening, addressing the threat of vehicle strikes to the region’s iconic koalas. The underpass, a three-meter-wide boxed culvert, is expected to open by mid-2025.
The upgrade supports the development of Figtree Hill, a 1,700-home project set to house 5,000 residents, blending urban growth with environmental preservation.
Brendan O’Brien, Head of NSW Residential Communities, Lendlease pointed out that following approval from Transport for NSW, his company “wasted no time in starting construction of important koala safety measures.”
While the late Councillor Fred Borg OAM was a tireless advocate for upgrades to Appin Road, Campbelltown’s Mayor Darcy Lound has been a dogged campaigner following a personal tragedy.
Celebrating these improvements as a win for both the community and wildlife, Cr Lound said, “Council has been calling for upgrades to Appin Road for many years and this is a step in the right direction to deliver safety improvements for motorists and our important koala colony.”
