The NSW Roads and Maritime Services (former RTA) is considering a request by recently elected Clarence Member of Parliament, Chris Gulaptis, to increase the speed limit on the Iluka Road from 80 kph to 100 kph. The Gulaptis request has been made in support of a commitment made by his predecessor, Steve Cansdell.
In 2005 the speed limit along this road was changed from 100 kph to 80 kph following concerns about the threat to wildlife in Bundjalung National Park and other bushland areas through which the road passes.
For some years there have been fears that the Iluka koala population has either been extinct or close to extinction. However, there have been an encouraging number of sightings recently. Given that koalas are under so much pressure from development, dog attack, disease and traffic in the Clarence (as in many other places), it is very important that as much as possible is done to ensure that this species is able to build up its numbers around Iluka.
Commenting on Mr Gulaptis' belief that the road was suitable for a 100 kph speed limit, wildlife carer Patricia Edwards has said, " It seems pretty clear that Mr Gulaptis' imagination does not stretch so far as visualising himself hitting a young female koala with a joey on her back, and having to watch the joey fly off and be killed on impact on the tar. I can assure him from other people's experience that the resulting horror, trauma and guilt does not go away in a hurry."
What you can do:
If you are concerned about this threat to Iluka koalas please write to one (or all) of the following requesting that the speed limit be kept at 80 kph:
The local office of the RMS:
The Regional Manager
Roads and Maritime Service
PO Box 576
GRAFTON NSW 2460
Roads and Maritime Service
PO Box 576
GRAFTON NSW 2460
Duncan Gay, MLC, the NSW Minister for Roads and Ports
Email address: office@gay.minister.nsw.gov.au
Postal address:
Hon Duncan Gay
Minister for Roads and Ports
Level 35 Governor Macquarie Tower
1 Farrar Place
SYDNEY 2000
Email address: office@gay.minister.nsw.gov.au
Postal address:
Hon Duncan Gay
Minister for Roads and Ports
Level 35 Governor Macquarie Tower
1 Farrar Place
SYDNEY 2000
Chris Gulaptis, Member for Clarence
Email address: clarence@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Postal address:
Mr Christopher Gulaptis, MP
11 Prince Street
GRAFTON NSW 2460
11 Prince Street
GRAFTON NSW 2460
