Shocking Discovery: A Road Sign Uncovers the Unsettling History of a Beloved Tourist Hotspot
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Mount Gravatt, a picturesque peak just outside Brisbane, is one of those places that makes you feel a world away from the hustle and bustle.
During the day, it’s a peaceful spot for nature lovers, with stunning views and the chance to spot koalas hanging out in the trees, maybe even a mother with her joey.
It’s the kind of place that draws people in for the beauty of nature and the joy of seeing some of Australia’s most beloved wildlife. But there’s a dark side to this otherwise serene place that’s becoming harder to ignore.
Handmade placards, written by heartbroken rescuers, warn drivers of the tragic toll the road is taking on the local koala population. One sign reads simply: ‘Speed kills me.’ Another marks a particularly heartbreaking moment: ‘Mum and joey killed 16 November.’
These signs aren’t just about road safety—they’re a reminder of the lives lost on the very road that draws tourists and locals alike to the mountain each day.
In just a few days in November, two mother-and-joey koala pairs were hit and left to suffer by passing vehicles. It's a tragedy that’s been happening too often, and it’s leaving the community devastated.
‘Mum was unconscious and fitting. And she was dying,’ he told Yahoo News. Sadly, many drivers don’t stop to help or even report the accidents, which only adds to the sorrow of those trying to protect the koalas.
Koalas in this area are now listed as endangered, and their already fragile population is in even greater danger because their habitats are being broken up by busy roads like the one leading to Mount Gravatt.
Sharyn Bartlem, who has been rescuing koalas for years, was shocked to find that more than 100 koalas have died in a 6km radius of Brisbane’s south this year alone. This area, known to rescuers as the ‘Triangle of Death’, includes Whites Hill Reserve, one of the last remaining safe spaces for these animals.
However, despite their efforts, they often feel like the government is more focused on explaining why changes can’t be made, rather than finding real solutions. It’s a frustrating reality for those who care deeply about the fate of these iconic animals.
Brisbane City Council has made some changes to try and reduce the risks. The gate to the Mount Gravatt lookout is now closed at night, and the closing times have been extended to 11 PM to accommodate the efforts of community workers.
The speed limit on the mountain road has also been reduced from 50 to 40 km/h after a review in 2021. But local rescuers argue that these measures just aren’t enough to stop the koalas from being struck by vehicles.
He criticized the Brisbane City Council for not taking more significant action to protect the koalas, saying, ‘It seems pathetic that it’s not taking more steps to protect what’s Australia’s most beloved endangered animal.’
The loss of these koalas isn’t just a wildlife issue—it’s a community issue. For many, Mount Gravatt and its surrounding areas are a place to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.
But as human activity continues to grow, the collision between our world and the wildlife we cherish has devastating consequences.
It’s up to all of us to keep koalas and other wildlife safe. Whether you live nearby or are just visiting, it’s important to drive carefully, respect the land, and take action to help protect these endangered animals.
Have you ever seen a koala on Mount Gravatt or other wildlife on your travels? Share your thoughts or suggestions on how we can better protect these precious animals in the comments below. Together, we can make a difference for future generations to enjoy these unique creatures!
During the day, it’s a peaceful spot for nature lovers, with stunning views and the chance to spot koalas hanging out in the trees, maybe even a mother with her joey.
It’s the kind of place that draws people in for the beauty of nature and the joy of seeing some of Australia’s most beloved wildlife. But there’s a dark side to this otherwise serene place that’s becoming harder to ignore.
The Stark Message from the Roadside
As the sun begins to set, the winding road leading to Mount Gravatt’s lookout takes on a different tone. It’s not just the views that catch your eye—on the way up, the road signs tell a much sadder story.Handmade placards, written by heartbroken rescuers, warn drivers of the tragic toll the road is taking on the local koala population. One sign reads simply: ‘Speed kills me.’ Another marks a particularly heartbreaking moment: ‘Mum and joey killed 16 November.’
These signs aren’t just about road safety—they’re a reminder of the lives lost on the very road that draws tourists and locals alike to the mountain each day.
Koalas face constant danger from vehicles, as busy roads often cut through their habitats. Image Source: Pexels/Mark Mcmillan
In just a few days in November, two mother-and-joey koala pairs were hit and left to suffer by passing vehicles. It's a tragedy that’s been happening too often, and it’s leaving the community devastated.
The Heartbreaking Sight of Loss
John Knights, one of the volunteers who works tirelessly to save these animals, shared the devastating scene of the first accident. He found a joey still clinging to its dying mother on November 16.‘Mum was unconscious and fitting. And she was dying,’ he told Yahoo News. Sadly, many drivers don’t stop to help or even report the accidents, which only adds to the sorrow of those trying to protect the koalas.
Koalas in this area are now listed as endangered, and their already fragile population is in even greater danger because their habitats are being broken up by busy roads like the one leading to Mount Gravatt.
Sharyn Bartlem, who has been rescuing koalas for years, was shocked to find that more than 100 koalas have died in a 6km radius of Brisbane’s south this year alone. This area, known to rescuers as the ‘Triangle of Death’, includes Whites Hill Reserve, one of the last remaining safe spaces for these animals.
Promoting awareness about koala safety can make a big difference in reducing road accidents and protecting these beloved animals. Image Source: Pexels/Valeriia Miller
A Call for Stronger Protection
In response to the growing number of koala casualties, Bartlem’s group, Save the Koalas and Wallabies of White’s Hill, is calling on local authorities to do more to protect these precious creatures.However, despite their efforts, they often feel like the government is more focused on explaining why changes can’t be made, rather than finding real solutions. It’s a frustrating reality for those who care deeply about the fate of these iconic animals.
Brisbane City Council has made some changes to try and reduce the risks. The gate to the Mount Gravatt lookout is now closed at night, and the closing times have been extended to 11 PM to accommodate the efforts of community workers.
The speed limit on the mountain road has also been reduced from 50 to 40 km/h after a review in 2021. But local rescuers argue that these measures just aren’t enough to stop the koalas from being struck by vehicles.
Community Concern Grows
For locals like Dominic Geiger, who remembers the days when people would race up the mountain without a second thought, the situation is becoming increasingly frustrating.He criticized the Brisbane City Council for not taking more significant action to protect the koalas, saying, ‘It seems pathetic that it’s not taking more steps to protect what’s Australia’s most beloved endangered animal.’
The loss of these koalas isn’t just a wildlife issue—it’s a community issue. For many, Mount Gravatt and its surrounding areas are a place to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.
But as human activity continues to grow, the collision between our world and the wildlife we cherish has devastating consequences.
A Wake-Up Call for All of Us
The sad reality at Mount Gravatt is a reminder that, while we all enjoy spending time in nature, the choices we make can leave a lasting impact on our environment.It’s up to all of us to keep koalas and other wildlife safe. Whether you live nearby or are just visiting, it’s important to drive carefully, respect the land, and take action to help protect these endangered animals.
Have you ever seen a koala on Mount Gravatt or other wildlife on your travels? Share your thoughts or suggestions on how we can better protect these precious animals in the comments below. Together, we can make a difference for future generations to enjoy these unique creatures!
