I live right on the boarder between Coorparoo and Camp Hill and (like many other citizens of our area) love taking a stroll through Whites Hill Reserve spotting koalas and other arboreal mammals. The biodiversity of this urban forest is something to marvel at, and yet serious action to protect both these animals and motorists has failed to be undertaken adequately. Each year, many of these unique and iconic Australian animals are tragically killed due to traffic along the Boundary Road. However, this is a preventable issue that is currently overlooked with recent bandaid solutions claiming to be effective. However, there are more successful methods of wildlife protecting that keep animals and motorists safe!!

With the implementation of virtual fencing technology, we can greatly reduce animal fatalities and increase motorists' safety between the hours of dusk and dawn when the animals are most active and visibility is most impaired.

As a brief summary, VF is installed by placing a series of posts at 25m intervals in a zig zag pattern across the road. The sensors on these posts detect approaching vehicle lights which then tiggers a low frequency sound along with flashing blue and yellow lights. This alerts animals to the oncoming vehicle and deters the road crossing while traffic is oncoming.

The technology of virtual fencing has been proven effective in other areas, reducing animal-vehicle collisions substantially. For example, the use of virtual fencing in Tasmania has resulted in an estimated 50% reduction in roadkill incidents. Closer to home, there has also been highly successful implementation of VF in northern NSW, the Sunshine Coast, Logan, and near the Mt Coot-tha region. Yet, despite being economically feasible, such measures are yet to be implemented in our own community. 

I have attempted to bring this issue to the attention of the Brisbane City Council, with my proposal being forwarded on from the Coorparoo Ward Office. However, it is imperative that this action for change does not get lost or lose hope. We can catalyse decisive action in safeguarding our local wildlife and ensuring safer roads for us, the residents of Brisbane. It is time we uphold our professed value for biodiversity, making our roads safer for both our unique wildlife and motorists. Local lives—in every form—should be considered with the utmost gravity. 

Join me in urging the Brisbane City Council to invest in virtual fencing along Boundary Road in Camp Hill for a safer, more sustainable future. Please sign and share this petition.