New fence to save roadkill installed on Wakehurst Parkway

WILDLIFE campaigners hope a new fence will reduce the number of wallabies and other animals killed by cars on the Wakehurst Parkway.

WILDLIFE campaigners hope a new fence will reduce the number of wallabies and other animals killed by cars on the Wakehurst Parkway.

Almost 100m of fencing has been installed at a Middle Creek bridge in Oxford Falls thanks to a $10,000 windfall for the Wildlife Roadkill Prevention Association.

Chairwoman Neva Poole, of Forestville, said 724 swamp wallabies had been killed on major northern beaches roads since April 2010.

“I think it will make a difference.” she said

“It has a top that’s bent so animals that fly or climb can’t get over and it’s designed to stop animals getting underneath it.”

Ms Poole worked with Roads and Maritime Services to get the fence built.

As reported in the Manly Daily, animals being on the roads not only puts them at risk but proves a great danger to drivers who might swerve to avoid them and cause an accident.

Mona Vale Rd is another hot spot and animal tunnels and bridges are planned as part of an upgrade.

Motorists who hit a wallaby or see one on the road should contact an expert to see if it has a live joey in its pouch.

Roads and Maritime Project Contract Manager Maz Neyakivi said: “The Wakehurst Parkway is a popular road corridor through the Oxford Falls Regional Crown Reserve and borders Narrabeen Lakes and Deep Creek Reserve – important animal habitats for native species.

“Roads and Maritime is committed to minimising the impact of the road network on the environment and uses measures such as fauna fencing and crossings to help prevent animal strikes.

“The fence complements existing fauna fencing in the area including more than 850 metres of fencing installed by Roads and Maritime in partnership with Warringah Council at Oxford Falls.”

For help call WIRES on 1300 094 737 Sydney Wildlife on 02 9413 4300 or visit wildliferoadkill.org.au