Koala pair ‘Scott and Tippee’ relocated from Coffs Harbour Bypass site as work underway

The Coffs bypass team and wildlife rescuers have carried out the first extraction of koalas from the bustling roadwork site – with one already suffering from chlamydia.

The rescue of two koalas dubbed “Scott and Tippee” from the Coffs Harbour Bypass site has been successful and marks the first relocation of the vulnerable species due to the $2.2 billion roadwork.

Scott and Tippee were spotted by members of the Transport for NSW Coffs Harbour Bypass team in a section of vegetation on the site.

“The vegetation is checked prior to and after removal to ensure that any fauna detected is safely relocated,” a spokeswoman said.

“An ecologist and fauna handler remain on site to assist with the relocations.”

The operation was a week-long collaboration between the transport department and Australian Wildlife Rescue Organisation (WIRES).

The furry friends were trapped and treated before being released at a safer spot.

Transport for NSW Coffs Harbour Bypass works have affected various species but the extraction of Scott and Tippee are the first relocation for koalas.

Scott was healthy, but Tippee was suffering from chlamydia and required veterinary treatment.

Treatment and relocation costs were covered by the public through the department, which donated an intravenous pump to Coffs Harbour WIRES.

The group was also given infra-red binoculars, as well as prepaid envelopes to send chlamydia samples to labs.

Coffs Harbour WIRES branch rescuer Zaiga Deist said she was thrilled.

“The co-operation between the project team and WIRES was fantastic and is part of an ongoing relationship we’ve developed with the Coffs Harbour Bypass project (team) to ensure the safety of all animals,” Ms Deist said.

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