A ‘shocking’ number of wildlife are being hit and killed by cars in Nillumbik, rescuers say

Far too many wildlife are being hit and killed on one stretch of road in Melbourne’s north, with rescuers claiming nearby roadworks are to blame for the deaths.

There’s been an increase in wildlife hit alongside Aqueduct Rd in St Helena due to road works happening at Yan Yean Rd. Picture: Andrew Tauber

This summer has been the worst in memory for wildlife deaths on Nillumbik roads, wildlife rescue volunteers say.

And Help for Wildlife founder and volunteer Sue Kirwan said roadworks at the Yan Yean Rd, Diamond Valley Rd and Aqueduct Rd intersection meant animals were panicking and being killed.

The Doreen volunteer removed a dead family of three kangaroos from the side of Aqueduct Rd last week.

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She was then called out to treat another kangaroo in distress half an hour later, further down the same road.

“It’s been a shocker this summer,” Ms Kirwan said.

“The amount of callouts to Aqueduct Rd and surrounding streets have been through the roof.”

Ms Kirwan did not record callouts to the area, but estimated “dozens” of requests for help in the area every week.

“The roadworks going on mean a higher volume of traffic travelling through typically quieter streets, but animals are becoming confused and panicking,” she said.

St Andrews wildlife rescue volunteer Stella Reid said she had never seen anything like it in her 30 years of service.

“I get called out to the Aqueduct Rd area at least twice a week — I’ve never had to attend to rescues there in the past,” she said.

Road works at the Yan Yean Rd, Diamond Valley Rd and Aqueduct Rd intersection are causing more animals to be hit along detour roads, rescuers say. Picture: Anthony Piovesan

“I don’t know what the solution is, but it’s a very difficult situation for wildlife, drivers and the volunteers.”

Ms Reid said she struggled to witness animals in such distress, but vowed to continue helping them.

“Watching death never gets easier, but I love our wildlife and will do what I can to save them,” she said.

Ms Reid encouraged drivers travelling along detour roads to be mindful of animals.

“If they want to cross, let them,” she said.

“If you happen to hit one, always check them to see if they are carrying a joey — at least that way one life can be saved.”

>> If you see an animal in distress phone Help for Wildlife on 0477 555 611, Nillumbik Shire Council on 9433 3111 or Wildlife Victoria on 8400 7300.

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