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Toohey Road wildlife underpass – Salisbury / Nathan

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Council is building a new wildlife underpass to help koalas and other animals safely cross Toohey Road in Toohey Forest.

The project will include: 

  • installing a 2.4-metre by 2.4-metre culvert under Toohey Road southwest of the Toohey Picnic Area
  • constructing a log pole frame in the culvert as a bridge option for wildlife
  • placing mulch and natural material at the culvert base helps blend with the habitat and encourages wildlife to use the crossing
  • installing fencing with wildlife escape hatches either side of the underpass to help direct animals towards the crossing
  • minor tree and vegetation removal to facilitate the fencing installation, undertaken in consultation with a qualified arborist where possible.

This project received grant funding from the Australian Government under the Saving Koalas Fund. 

The Australian Government logo.
Status
In progress
Category
Environment
Timeframe
From November 2025
Location
  • Nathan
  • Salisbury
Ward
Moorooka Ward
Benefits
  • Improve access to food and resources for wildlife by providing safe movement between habitat areas within Toohey Forest.
  • Minimise animal crossings across Toohey Road and improve safety for motorists and fauna by reducing animal strikes.
  • Enhance connectivity between habitats to foster genetic resilience and provide a means for wildlife to escape natural disasters.

Works will be undertaken from mid-November 2025 to early 2026 and will generally be undertaken 7pm to 5am, Sunday to Thursday.

If you live in or are travelling through the area you may notice:

  • a site compound established at the Mayne Estate Picnic Area car parks, restricting access to all car parks on Toohey Road
  • changed traffic conditions, minor traffic delays managed with traffic control measures (a full closure of Toohey Road will only occur on one weekend)
  • increased noise, truck movements, vibration and dust.

Both Toohey Picnic Area and Mayne Estate Picnic Area can be accessed during construction, with parking available at Toohey Picnic Area.

Weekend road closure

Work will occur continuously from 8pm on Friday 14 November to 5am Monday 17 November to maximise working efficiency and reduce the overall amount of nightworks.

Toohey Road will be closed to all traffic between Mayfield Road and Flanders Street during this period. A detour will be in place using Weller Road, Fernvale Road, Tarragindi Road, and Evans Road. View the detour map under resources.

The Toohey Picnic Area and car park will remain accessible for your enjoyment. You can also reach Mayne Estate Picnic Area on foot. Traffic control will be on hand to assist with access to the picnic areas as needed.

For more information, you can: