Help Keep Kangaroos Safe on Bribie Island Roads

Published 21 May 2021

Kangaroo Crossing Road.jpg

Moreton Bay Regional Council is calling on the community to share their local knowledge to help keep kangaroos and wallabies safe on Bribie Island roads.

With wildlife-vehicle collisions involving macropods doubling in recent years on the island, Mayor Peter Flannery said further action had to be taken.

“Council is looking to install additional green infrastructure at locations where we continue to see high wildlife-vehicle collisions,” Mayor Flannery said.

“Over the past 10 years, Council has received more than 300 community requests for the removal of deceased animals located on, or adjacent to, roads on Bribie Island.

“Sadly, more than two thirds of these collisions are relating to kangaroos and wallabies, with figures doubling from 24 collisions in 2018 to 54 collisions in 2019.

“We want to know if you have encountered a kangaroo or wallaby while driving on Bribie Island to add to our understanding of their movements and behaviour.

“But there is only so much we can do; we need drivers to slow down around wildlife areas and stay alert, especially as we see more kangaroos moving at dawn and dusk over winter.”

Councillor Brooke Savige (Div 1) said feedback received will help identify priority locations where infrastructure is needed.

“There is a range of green infrastructure that will be considered, from warning signs and road stencils to increased driver awareness, to fences, underpasses and rope bridges to discourage animals from crossing the road,” Cr Savige said.

“We would love the community’s help in identifying the best locations to install these safety measures, especially around well-known collision hotspots like White Patch Esplanade, Sunderland Drive and First Avenue.

“In fact, we are currently constructing two fauna crossings to create a safer passage for smaller wildlife over First Avenue and installing 400m of exclusion fencing, however it’s clear that more needs to be done.

“You can have your say online, or for those who would prefer to give their feedback in person, please drop into Bribie Island Shopping Centre on Thursday 17 June from 2pm - 5pm to speak with Council officers.”

For more information about Council’s consultation and to have your say, visit https://yoursay.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/kangaroos-wallabies-bribie-island

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