They are known as one of our most iconic marsupials, and arguably one of the biggest drawcards for local tourism.

However, this number is under threat due to a number of factor, one of the most common of which is road strikes.

There have been 128 vehicle strikes in our Local Government Area in the last five years.

We, at council, are big advocates for increased protections for our local koalas.

Which is why, as part of our Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management, we are building koala stiles across the entire LGA to aid in reducing the number of road strikes.

A stile is essentially a climbing frame to assist koalas to safely get across a fenced area to get back to their feeding trees.

I am proud to announce we have partnered with Hastings Secondary College and the Koala Preservation Society to build five new stiles at one of our LGA's top 'black spots' for koala vehicle strike - the Oxley Highway at Findlay Avenue. Construction for these started this week.

It requires hard work and collaboration between all levels of government and passionate community groups to protect our beloved national icon.

We need to ensure these little guys continue to be a part of our identity for many years to come.

So remember, keep an eye out while you're driving and if you see a koala in distress please call the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital's 24-hour koala rescue number 6584 1522.