Koala population: More koalas than ever run down on Gold Coast roads

Dodge the koala got a second chance - but as soon as he’s back in the wild, another koala will take his place at a Gold Coast wildlife hospital. This is the horror situation for the cuddly creatures who are in danger.

DODGE the koala did not look like he would pull through.

Vets at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Hospital feared the furry fellow would succumb to severe internal bleeding and a collapsed lung after he was struck by a vehicle this month.

But three weeks on, Dodge can be considered one of the lucky ones.

He arrived at the wildlife hospital after being hit near the Northern Rivers town of Tuckombil.

Dodge the koala recovers at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Hospital after he was hit by a vehicle.

The sanctuary’s hospital treats about 100 koalas each year hit by vehicles in the Gold Coast and northern NSW.

The only time the number of victims has dropped in recent years was during the Commonwealth Games, when far fewer vehicles were using the roads, vets at the hospital said.

A decade ago, about 20 koalas used to be treated each year. Now about 500 are coming through the doors.

Vet Andrew Hill said it was “heartbreaking” to spend so much time trying to save koalas injured in road accidents.

“During the Commonwealth Games there was less cars on the road, that’s the only time admissions have stopped,” he said.

“Every year our admissions go up and up and up.”

Dr Hill believes it will continue to worsen as the human population climbs.

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Dodge pictured in better health after he was hit by a vehicle three weeks ago. The koala will soon be released back into the wild.

“The same day we release Dodge, it’s likely we’ll get another koala in who’s been hit.

“It’s like all road accidents – it’s complacency. We’re all rushing to get home at the end of the day, while the wildlife are out.”

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Dr Hill pleaded with motorists to take more care, particularly around dawn and dusk and near signs warning of wildlife.

He said signage was erected at known animal crossing locations. Koala strike hot spots were Tallebudgera Connection Rd, Guineas Creek Rd at Elanora, and the M1 end of the Smith Street Motorway.