A ‘hot spots’ map has been developed by Logan City Council to help reduce the number of collisions between vehicles and native wildlife in the area.
The map identifies 21 locations that are considered the highest risk of animals, including kangaroos, wallabies and koalas, being on roadways.
The locations range from Springwood, Cornubia and Carbrook in the east to Greenbank, New Beith and Mundoolun in the west and south of the city.
The hot spots have been identified by analysing and mapping data including:
- road attributes and speed limits;
- connections to biodiversity corridors;
- proximity to wildlife habitat;
- species distribution records.
The data includes fauna injury and road-kill statistics collected by Council since 2011.
Input was also sought from agencies including the RSPCA, the Department of Main Roads and Transport and environmental database, WildNet.
The data was analysed in conjunction with University of Queensland to produce a new city-wide priority species Wildlife Vehicle Collision Hot Spots map, which replaces a less-comprehensive 2018 version.
Environment Chair, Deputy Mayor Jon Raven said the new map would help improve road safety and protect our local wildlife populations.
“We know our community is passionate about protecting our native animals but suddenly finding them on our roads can pose serious risks to road users,” Councillor Raven said.
“This hot spot map, along with other measures Council will introduce, will help drivers know those areas across our city where they need to slow down and keep an eye out for native wildlife.”
A range of potential on-ground mitigation measures has also been identified for each of the hot spots. They include the trial of new portable, vehicle-activated wildlife zone signs.
The solar-powered signs are similar to the widely used road safety and speeding signs, but will carry wildlife-specific warnings. The signs and mitigation measures will complement wildlife virtual fences already installed at Park Ridge and Rosia roads in Park Ridge and Henderson Road and Cusack Lane, in Glenn Logan.
The development of the map and signage trial is funded through the Environmental Levy. Cr Raven said the report was ratified by Committee today and would go to Council next week to be endorsed.
Anyone who hits an animal on City of Logan roads, or sees an injured animal, should:
- call RSPCA Ambulance on 1300 ANIMAL or Wildcare on 07 5527 2444
- report the sighting via a form available on Council’s website or call 3412 3412.
