Vanessa Hall
Editor
ENVIRONMENTAL protection and advocacy group Coolum and North Shore Coast Care (CNSCC) recently posted a series of distressing images online showing a large kangaroo having to be eased of its suffering after being hit by a car near the Palmer Coolum Resort on David Low Way.
The group posted the images as a call to action and for motorists to slow down and be mindful of native animals who potentially are more visible on the roads due to development in the area encroaching on their habitat.
“Drama on David Low Way this morning with yet another kangaroo hit by a car,” the CNSCC post stated.
“It was distressing for three of our volunteers who attended the scene. The joey is orphaned now but was eventually guided into Clive Palmers Golf Course with the help of security opening a gate for the joey to get off the main road.
“Scott from Wild Care Australia had to euthanise the mother roo as she had a fracture and most likely internal injuries.
“There are so many displaced roos with the development in Coolum and Yaroomba with very little bushland for them to disperse too. Let this be a reminder to travel slow in the area and keep eyes peeled for roos or wallabies at the side of the road.”
Claire Smith founder of Wildlife Rescue Sunshine Coast and the 2025 Australia Day Awards, ‘Queensland Local Hero Award’ recipient said that urgent legislative action was needed.
“David Low Way, notorious for its alarming rates of kangaroo fatalities, exemplifies the devastating impact of rapid development and habitat destruction.
“Habitat loss remains the leading cause of declining numbers in key species across Australia, and it is exceptionally critical in our region,” Claire said.
Claire said that statistics recorded by Wildlife Rescue since 2018, showed the Sunshine Coast has experienced a staggering rise in kangaroo and wallaby deaths, with fatalities increasing by over 1000 per cent along roads like David Low Way.
“This surge in wildlife fatalities underscores the urgency to revise current legislative frameworks,” Claire said.
“Development projects such as the Stockland Twin Waters West proposal forge ahead amidst significant public opposition – further threatening the survival of local macropod species.
“This reckless development legacy, resulting from inadequate planning and understanding, will be a lasting burden for our local councils.”
The development taking place in the area such as the Yaroomba Beach development is in accordance with the Hyatt Master Plan which was approved in 2007.
Division 8 Councillor Taylor Bunnag surmised that working within the parameters of the existing 2007 approval was not something that could be easily fixed and they were doing the best that they could.
“Council has been working with all stakeholders to achieve the best results for wildlife along this particular stretch of road, however, motorists needed to slow down.
“All the parties involved are trying to find a solution and we want to preserve as many green corridors as possible,” Cr Bunnag said.
“We need to be mindful and realise that there is a lot more traffic on the roads and that David Low Way is a very busy stretch of road and people really do need to slow down.”
Claire Smith said it was up to lawmakers to change existing laws.
“It is imperative that we urge our lawmakers to amend existing regulations and enforce stringent criteria when considering development applications.
“Only through proactive legislative change can we halt the decline of our precious wildlife and ensure the preservation of Australia’s unique biodiversity for generations to come.
About Claire Smith – Australia Day Awards: 2025 QLD Local Hero
Wildlife Rescue Sunshine Coast, Founder
CLAIRE Smith is a fierce protector of all living things, but especially native Australian wildlife.
She is the founder of Wildlife Rescue Sunshine Coast, the first dedicated, volunteer-run, 24-hour wildlife rescue service in Queensland. The group’s purpose is threefold: education, rescue and rehabilitation.
Over decades of advocacy and conservation, Claire has actively forged vital relationships within the community, educating people about wildlife management through online resources and speaking on radio and in person.
She engages with all levels of government to advise on policy decisions, motivating them to take action to protect native species through habitat preservation.
Claire raised over $600,000 to directly assist those caring for injured animals after the 2019 bushfires.
Claire also fundraised to establish Queensland’s first dedicated kangaroo hospital and the purchase of two wildlife ambulances to facilitate more animal rescues. Claire inspires others to join her fight to protect our precious native fauna with her compassion and determination.
If you see an injured animal please get in touch via the details below –
Wildlife SEQ – 0468 484 994
Wildlife Rescue Sunshine Coast – wildliferescue35@gmail.com