EXTRA fencing has been installed along the Cleveland train line after four koala strikes within weeks at the start of this year's breeding season.
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Capalaba MP Don Brown said that 600 metres of exclusion fencing had been placed along high-risk sections of the line between Wellington Point and Ormiston stations.
Mr Brown said there had been nine koala deaths along the sections over the past five years.
In June Koala Action Group president Debbie Pointing said that Queensland Rail urgently needed to take action after the deaths of three healthy adult koalas and a joey that month.
In response to the recent announcement, Ms Pointing said it was a good start but it was unfortunate the fencing was not installed years ago.
"The line has always been a threat to the koalas," she said. "We would like the fencing to be extended along the entire line from Thorneside to Cleveland."
Mr Brown said plans were under way for a further 300 metres of fencing to be installed this year, adding to 2.5 kilometres of wildlife fencing along key sections of the Cleveland line.
"The fences feature a flat-top design to prevent koalas from climbing over the fencing and into the rail corridor," Mr Brown said.
"With 48 new weekly train services being added (on the Cleveland line) in July, it's important that we protect our koala population from the risks of strikes."
Ms Pointing said that holes in fences along train tracks needed to be fixed to stop koalas going onto the tracks. There was also a need for safe passageways for koalas.
Queensland Rail chief executive Nick Easy said previously that maintenance teams inspected fences daily, with the entire Cleveland line checked about every month.
Commuters who spot fence damage are asked to report it to Queensland Rail via their app or by phoning 13 12 30.
Anyone who sees a koala in the rail corridor is asked to report it by calling 1800 079 303.
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