A new automated pathway gate on the Moreton Bay Cycleway near Dohles Rocks Road will protect koalas while still allowing cyclists and pedestrians to move freely.

Currently, some koalas use the pathway to cross Dohles Rocks Road. This inevitably ends with koalas dying on the road. The gate aims to guide koalas to use the purpose-built wildlife underpass instead and prevent these deaths.

We know from Moreton Says surveys that the natural environment is the number one reason people choose to live in City of Moreton Bay.

This innovative automated gate will be the first of its kind in Queensland.

The new gate across the pathway will only be closed at night, when koalas are most active. It will remain open during the day from morning to evening, including peak active travel times.

The gate will be equipped with sensors that trigger the gate to open automatically when a cyclist approaches. There will also be a sensor near the gate to trigger it to open for pedestrians.

Cyclists may need to adjust their speed and be aware of the change in environment when approaching the gate at night but will not need to stop or dismount to open the gate.

We will install signs and pavement markings around the new gate for user safety. The pathway itself is already well lit and there are existing CCTV cameras at the gate location.

This is the first automated gate of its kind installed in City of Moreton Bay. We think they could be effective in other places around our city where endangered koalas and other wildlife access the road from our pathways.

Since we haven’t done this before there may be a period of adjustment to get to smooth operation of the new infrastructure.

Your patience and feedback will help us improve the design and operation of this kind of gate.

Are the open and closed times right for the gate? Does it stay open long enough when you are passing through? Are there any safety issues we don’t know about? Have you spotted a koala going through an open gate?