Mount Alexander Wildlife Watch Inc., Tarrangower Times

There was a full house at the launch of Mount Alexander Wildlife Watch incorporated Sunday 31 August.

Local Councillors Rosalie Hastwell, Lucas Maddock and Deputy Mayor Toby Heydon turned up in support of the group’s inaugural event – a key note talk by Prof. Darryl Jones of Griffith University on the subject of wildlife crossings.

Councillor Lucas Maddock opened the event, emphasising Council’s commitment to environmental values.

International road ecology expert Professor Jones spoke of underpasses and overpasses which are proven to reduce vehicle wildlife collisions by 90 per cent. “In Europe there are thousands of these structures. It’s impossible to drive anywhere without seeing them,” the professor said.

In France there are 380 overpasses – or ‘Greenbridges’ as they are referred to in the UK. In the Netherlands, which is a third of the size of Victoria, there are 68. Despite the array of unique wildlife in Australia, which according to Tourism Australia, is the number one drawcard for tourists, our country has just 10 overpasses. Victoria has zero.

The professor explained that overpasses can be retrofitted over existing roads, and underpasses can be even easier to install. “The infrastructure is already here,” he said. “It’s often just a matter of installing a shelf inside for critters to walk along, or diverting water run-off away from a section of the tunnel. Most animals don’t like to walk through water.”

There was overwhelming community support at the launch for adoption of wildlife crossings and significant interest from councillors. Cr Maddock provided a commitment to advocate that council investigate wildlife crossings and other measures to reduce road strikes.

For more information contact Kerrie Allen – President Mount Alexander Wildlife Watch Incorporated 0459 159 245.

This article appeared in Tarrangower Times, 5 September 2025.