Trial plan to reduce animal deaths outside Woodend

LARGE signage and painted lines on the road are part of a trial to reduce native animal deaths along Ashbourne Rd outside of Woodend.

Wildlife carer Helen Round with Macedon Ranges Council environmental programs and engagement officer William Terry by new wildlife warning sign in Ashbourne Rd, Woodend. Picture: Rob Leeson

LARGE signage and painted lines on the road are part of a trial to reduce native animal deaths along Ashbourne Rd outside of Woodend.

The trial is a partnership between Macedon Ranges Council and animal rescuers from the Macedon Ranges Wildlife Network.

Prominent signs which read ‘Caution wildlife — reduce speed’ include an image of the endangered phascogale, believed an Australian first, and have been erected at an animal collision hotspot.

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The small marsupial predator is native to the Macedon Ranges and many have been struck by vehicles this year.

On both sides of the road leading up to the two new large green signs are zebra stripes, aimed at raising motorists’ attention leading to the dangerous spot.

A speed detector is also in the area to measure the response by drivers.

Macedon Ranges wildlife carer Helen Round said the trial was a win for wildlife in the area.

“A carer in that area had collated a lot of data of all the animals killed there and to the council’s credit they took that on board,” she said.

“The white lines, which we hope will eventually be rumble strips are for the safety of us as well — its wildlife carers who are out all hours on these remote roads attending wildlife collisions and we want motorists to think of us to.”

Ms Round said it was up to anyone moving to the Macedon Ranges to drive to the conditions.

“There a lot of animals in the Macedon Ranges, by slowing down at dusk and dawn and when visibility is low, you are reducing your risk of hitting them,” she said.

Macedon Ranges acting chief executive Dale Thornton said the council was committed to safety and protecting wildlife.

“Macedon Ranges Shire is home to large diversity of native animals including 62 threatened species,” he said.

“Roads are major hazard for wildlife that move through the landscape, and collisions with wildlife are also a significant safety concern for drivers.”

Native marsupial, the phascogale.