The picturesque beachside town of Yaroomba, known for its serene coastal charm, has recently been thrust into the spotlight for a reason that's far from idyllic. Residents are raising the alarm over a decision that has turned their daily commute into what some are calling a game of 'Russian roulette' with the local wildlife, particularly the eastern grey kangaroos that are iconic to the area.

The source of their concern? The Palmer Coolum Resort, a luxury golf course owned by Australian billionaire Clive Palmer, has erected two large gates, effectively sealing off an underpass that once served as a safe passage for kangaroos and other wildlife. This underpass, which runs beneath David Low Way—a major road connecting the Sunshine Coast townships of Maroochydore and Noosa Heads—was also a thoroughfare for golf carts moving between courses.


The gates, which were locked in 2021 to facilitate building works at the resort, are topped with spikes and secured with padlocks, making it impossible for the kangaroos to cross without risking their lives on the road. The closure of this pathway has not only disrupted the natural movement of the kangaroos but has also heightened the risk of dangerous encounters between vehicles and wildlife.


Local councillor Taylor Bunnag, who describes Yaroomba as a 'tight-knit community,' has been inundated with calls from residents expressing their frustration and concern for the kangaroos' welfare. Bunnag is advocating for the golf course to reopen the gates, emphasizing that this is a small but crucial step in preserving the local kangaroo population and ensuring the safety of motorists.


The situation has become more pressing with recent developments on the beachside of the road, which have led to the displacement of wildlife and, tragically, the death of four kangaroos in just two months. Among the animals at risk is a large male kangaroo, which has had several near-misses with traffic, prompting local wildlife rescuer Claire Smith to describe the situation as a 'ticking time bomb.'

Smith, the founder of Wildlife Rescue Sunshine Coast, has witnessed the impact of development on kangaroos across the region. Official data from the Sunshine Coast Council supports her observations, revealing a 40 per cent decline in kangaroo populations between 2000 and 2015, with local extinctions in 18 locations.

Dr Elizabeth Brunton, a wildlife ecologist at the University of Sunshine Coast, acknowledges that while reopening the gates would be beneficial, the issue extends beyond the actions of a single golf course. Brunton points to the broader problem of urban development on the Sunshine Coast, which has slowly displaced local kangaroo mobs and left them with dwindling habitats.


Brunton advocates for more environmentally sensitive development practices that allow native animals to adjust gradually rather than erecting barriers that abruptly exclude them from their natural habitats. She also calls on the Sunshine Coast Council to impose conditions on development projects to prevent wildlife displacement.

As the community rallies for action, a Change.org petition initiated by Councillor Bunnag has garnered over 1,700 signatures, demanding the reopening of the gates. The Palmer Coolum Resort has been contacted for comment, but the response remains pending.

This unfolding drama in Yaroomba serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between development and environmental conservation. It raises critical questions about our responsibility to coexist with the wildlife that shares our spaces and the measures we must take to protect them.

We at the Seniors Discount Club invite you to reflect on the importance of preserving Australia's unique environment and the creatures that inhabit it. Have you experienced similar wildlife concerns in your area? How do you think such situations should be handled? Share your thoughts and stories with us in the comments below.