New Koala Zones Aim to Protect Byron Shire’s Iconic Wildlife

By Robert Heyward

Byron Shire Council has introduced new Koala Zones on Broken Head Road, Coolamon Scenic Drive, and Coorabell Road near Federal, in an effort to reduce road strikes and protect local wildlife. These zones include vehicle-activated signs and painted road markings, encouraging drivers to slow down and stay alert for koalas and other native animals.

Why Koala Zones?

The selected roads are known hotspots for koalas, with multiple road strikes reported in these areas. Tragically, five koalas have been hit on Broken Head Road alone this year, including two beloved local males, “Moji” and “Braveheart.” The initiative aims to reduce these incidents and raise awareness among drivers.

“These areas are regularly used by koalas, and unfortunately, many have been killed by cars,” said Liz Caddick, Byron Shire Council’s Biodiversity Team Leader. “The new signs and road paint will remind drivers to slow down and look out for wildlife.”

How the Signs Work

The vehicle-activated signs are not speed cameras but serve as visual reminders:

• Green happy face: Drivers traveling under 70 km/h.
• Red sad face: Drivers exceeding the speed limit.
• Speed display: Drivers approaching 80 km/h receive a speed reminder.

The signs, funded through the NSW Koala Strategy, are part of a four-year program to monitor the effects of these measures on driver behaviour and koala safety.

Community Collaboration

The project was developed in consultation with local wildlife carers from Bangalow Koalas and Friends of the Koala, ensuring the zones target areas with frequent koala activity.

Bangalow Koalas President, Linda Sparrow, praised the initiative:
“It’s heartbreaking to see koalas being hit. Slowing down on our roads, especially at dawn and dusk, can make a huge difference. These zones are a big step toward protecting our precious wildlife.”

Year-Round Vigilance Needed

While wildlife can appear at any time, koalas are especially active from June to December, during breeding season. Drivers are encouraged to stay vigilant and reduce speeds, even in built-up areas, as koalas often cannot escape oncoming vehicles in time.

Existing and Expanded Koala Zones

The new zones join existing ones on Mafeking Road and Bangalow Road, further extending efforts to create safer habitats for Byron Shire’s koala population.

If you see a sick or injured koala, contact Friends of the Koala at 6622 1233. The hotline operates 24/7 to provide urgent care.

By slowing down and staying alert, residents and visitors can help protect one of Australia’s most iconic species.

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“Australian lightweight champion from lil ol’ Swan Bay”

By Samantha Elley

Maddog boxing’s Sunny McLean has been going from strength to strength this past year, grabbing titles from each of the events he has been fighting in.

Sunny McLean and his coach, Scott Smith, who runs Maddox Boxing, were recently picked to represent Queensland as the fighter and coach team to compete in the national titles in Gosford.

Sunny won all his elimination bouts and beat the NSW champion in the gold medal fight, to become the newly crowned Australian champion in the lightweight division.

They were surprised with a visit from Jason and Andrew Moloney, world champion professional boxers.

“Every state in Australia was there with all the best fighters and the (Moloney brothers) came to support us, so we felt so special,” said Scott.

“They came to help me prepare Sunny for his last two fights in this event.”

Sunny was competing for Queensland as he already holds the title of QLD/NSW interstate champion.

“His first opponent, the referee stopped the fight in the 3rd round,” said Scott.

“His second opponent was the favourite from Tasmania and Sunny won that fight to go through for the gold medal against the NSW champion.

“Andy (co-trainer) and I worked out a plan to beat him and Sunny did exactly what he was asked and never last control of the situation.

“He is now the Australian lightweight champion from lil ol Swan Bay.”

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Byron’s Waverider Buoy Set for Return After Critical Repairs

By Ian Rogers

Byron Bay’s iconic yellow Waverider buoy, a crucial tool for monitoring real-time wave conditions, is set to be redeployed later this week after undergoing urgent repairs by coastal engineers from the Manly Hydraulics Laboratory (MHL). The repair timeline remains weather dependent.

The buoy has been offline since early November after its antenna was snapped, halting the transmission of live wave data vital to the North Coast region. The disruption highlights the vulnerability of the buoy’s sensitive instruments, which can be damaged when recreational water users tether their boats or watercraft to it.

MHL is urging the community to avoid using the buoy as a mooring point and to maintain at least a 20-metre distance to protect the equipment. Damage not only impairs the buoy’s functionality but can also cause widespread loss of wave data relied on by water users, marine emergency services, and coastal management professionals.

Key Features of the Waverider Buoy

• Design: A 1m-diameter yellow spherical buoy equipped with radar reflectors, a 1.5m white antenna, a light, and a black flag.
• Location: Moored about 10 km offshore from Byron Bay.
• Function: Uses an accelerometer to measure wave motion, producing data on wave height, period, and direction.
• Significance: Supports safety, navigation, coastal management, and climate change adaptation for the North Coast.

The buoy is one of seven Waveriders operated by MHL, monitoring a 2,000 km stretch of coastline from Byron Bay to Eden. MHL has been providing real-time wave data for the NSW coast since 1974 and specifically for the Byron Bay region since 1976.

A Reminder for the Community

MHL Director Edward Couriel emphasised the buoy’s importance, stating, “Our wave buoys have been operating in NSW for over 50 years, offering invaluable data for everyone from surfers to emergency services. Repairing and redeploying them is complex and weather dependent. We urge locals to keep their distance and avoid contact to prevent further disruptions to this critical service.”

Real-time wave data from MHL’s network can be accessed at MHL’s website.

Pending favourable conditions, the repaired buoy will soon resume its role as the “live and listening ear” to the ocean, restoring a vital resource for water users and professionals managing NSW’s dynamic coastline.

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