Emerald resident and wildlife rescuer Leanne Sultana has welcomed a major step forward in the fight against the escalating wildlife roadstrike crisis along Wellington Road, following the Yarra Ranges Council meeting on August 12.
The council formally received the “Wildlife Fatalities along Wellington Road” petition, tabled with 103 valid signatures. While the official petition was presented to the council, more than 5,200 people have signed online in support of urgent action to protect wildlife along the busy 21-kilometre corridor.
Speaking at the meeting, Sultana described the devastating toll on local wildlife.
“Over the past 16 months, I’ve documented wildlife fatalities along the 21 kilometre stretch of Wellington Road from Emerald to Roeville,” she said.
“July was the deadliest month on record, with exactly 100 animals killed and 89 of these were kangaroos.
“In just the first seven months this year, we have lost 204 eastern grey kangaroos and 38 swamp lollies. These figures represent only the cases that we are aware of, so the true toll is most likely higher.”
The petition calls for immediate safety measures, including:
– Reduced speed limits during dawn and dusk hours when wildlife is most active.
– Variable Message Signs (VMS) to warn drivers of active wildlife crossings.
– Virtual fencing, a technology that emits sound and flashing light to alert animals before crossing roads. Previous trials along Wellington Road demonstrated a clear reduction in wildlife collisions, although maintenance costs have limited its ongoing use.
Councillors expressed unanimous support for the petition, with all in favour: Cr Jim Child, Cr Richard Higgins, Cr Len Cox OAM, Cr Tim Heenan, Cr Jeff Marriott, Cr Mitch Mazzarella, Cr Fiona McAllister, Cr Peter McIlwain, and Cr Gareth Ward.
During the meeting, Cr McIlwain reminded councillors that the Victorian Government is conducting a state-wide inquiry into roadstrike and that local rescuers have been preparing submissions.
Cr Heenan highlighted the urgency of the issue and advocated for the report to be presented sooner rather than later to align with the State Government’s ongoing inquiry into roadstrike in Victoria.
Cr McAllister confirmed that officers will prepare a report for investigation and response to be presented at a council forum before the end of October 2025.
Sultana said the decision marks an important turning point for the community and wildlife.
“I would like to sincerely acknowledge and thank the councillors of Yarra Ranges Council for taking this important and proactive step towards protecting our local wildlife from further harm.”
The issue has also drawn attention at state level, with MP Kim Wells recently raising the crisis in Parliament. Wildlife rescuers, meanwhile, continue to submit evidence to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Wildlife Roadstrike.
For Sultana and the hundreds of community members who signed the petition, the goal remains clear: safer roads for both humans and wildlife.
“I sincerely hope that this petition, along with the overwhelming community support it has received, highlights the urgent need to protect both our wildlife and our community from further road strikes.
“We urge Yarra Ranges Council to take swift and effective action so that together we can reduce the tragic incidents and create safer roads for all.”
