A LOCAL koala conservation group is calling for urgent action after multiple koalas have been killed on the Westernport Hwy this year.
Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation (MPKC) committee member Sue Boggan said since the start of this year an estimated ten koalas had been killed on the road.
She said the area of concern along the highway was between Thornells Rd and the intersection of Oneills Rd and Mckirdys Rd.
“We’ve lost two females who would have had joeys with them. The koalas were left to the side of the road, and we couldn’t find the joeys.”
Since 2024, more than 45 koalas have died across main hotspots, she said.
“Last year we lost 25, including a joey. This year we’ve lost about 10.”
Boggan said the Mornington Peninsula Shire was working with MPKC to submit information to the state government aiming to reduce the speed limit to 70kph and improve wildlife safety.
She added, “In road safety planning it would be even more beneficial if underpasses could be installed as has been achieved under other councils. The report from the state hearing on wildlife strike confirms the importance of wildlife being included in road safety planning.”
A 2025 inquiry was held into wildlife road strikes in Victoria with a final report tabled late last year.
MPKC has raised the issue with Eastern Victoria MP Tom McIntosh whose office confirmed the Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne was “still looking on how to best implement the recommendations from the inquiry”.
A Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) spokesperson said, “Preventing collisions with animals is an ongoing challenge as wildlife are unpredictable and enter our roads at any time regardless of roadside conditions”.
“When driving in areas where wildlife may be on the move, we encourage motorists to ensure they stick to safe speeds, leave plenty of space between them and the car in front, remain aware of their surroundings and take extra care at dawn and dusk,” the spokesperson said
The DTP said its “top priority is safety, including minimising threats to animals crossing our major roads and the impact of wildlife on the safety of drivers”.
A Mornington Peninsula Shire spokesperson said the council had been working with MPKC and community wildlife groups to support their advocacy where possible for road environment changes that reduce wildlife being hit by vehicles across the peninsula.
“Notably, council recently requested and secured approval from the DTP for the temporary use of virtual message signs, which are now live on the Westernport Hwy.
“A speed limit reduction was also requested but was not supported by DTP for this trial period from late January to early April.”
Councillor David Gill said he believed “that we should always take every opportunity to protect our dwindling number of koalas as a result mainly of roadkill and illness”.
“This section of road has been dramatically reducing koala numbers and other wildlife species, and along with other roads, but urgently needs sensible planning or we won’t see wildlife on and around the peninsula for future generations to enjoy,” he said.
“The next step should be a state sponsored peninsula wildlife management plan and an investigation of a wildlife hospital to assist voluntary wildlife carers, who are undermanned and under-resourced.”
MPKC has financed a flashing alert sign with the shire though Boggan said it has not slowed traffic enough.
“Unfortunately, and from recent personal experience, this is not having the desired effect of slowing the traffic.”
The conservation group is urging the Minister and the community to support the reduction of the speed limit and other protective measures, including visual signage for drivers and long-term infrastructure solutions.
Anyone who comes across injured native animals on the road network should call Wildlife Victoria on 03 8400 7300.
To report any hazard on the road network, contact 13 11 70.
First published in the Mornington News – 24 February 2026
