Special report released

Roads and Maritime Services has released a special report on options for reducing wildlife roadkill on three arterial Roads and Maritime Services-managed roads in Sydney's Northern Beaches.

Three roads investigated were:

• Mona Vale Road.
• McCarrs Creek Road.
• Wakehurst Parkway.

The report, prepared by SMEC for Roads and Maritime Services, details a range of options for reducing roadkill for consideration by Roads and Maritime Services in conjunction with National Parks and Wildlife Service and Warringah, Pittwater and Ku-ring-gai local councils.

The recommendations in the report are based on field investigations and research by SMEC, and information and advice provided by the Northern Beaches Roadkill Prevention Committee. The committee has reviewed a draft of the report and participated in a workshop on the draft recommendations. The recommendations were amended as outcomes from the workshop.

Community concern

The Northern Beaches roadkill study is a response to increasing community concern about the number and type of roadkill on arterial roads, particularly from the Northern Beaches Roadkill Prevention Committee and the outcomes of public workshops addressing roadkill within the region.

The committee is an alliance of Roads and Maritime Services local community members, wildlife carer groups, scientific advisors, local councils and the NSW Police, who have played an integral role in the preparation of this options report.

Report recommendations

The report recommends a range of short and long-term options to reduce roadkill along Mona Vale Road, McCarrs Creek Road and Wakehurst Parkway.

Recommended short-term options include:

• The seasonal use of Variable Message Signs.
• Fauna fencing in strategic locations.
• Priority locations for speed calming devices and speed cameras.

In addition to these measures, a population movement and genetic study is recommended for key indicator species to determine movement patterns, barriers to movement and linkages required for their long-term survival. This would also provide baseline data for future monitoring of mitigation measures.

Recommended long-term options include the consideration of:

• Additional fauna fencing, speed calming devices and speed cameras.
• Installation or enhancement of fauna underpass structures.
• Management of roadside vegetation.

The report also recommends investigation of the possible dusk till dawn closure of McCarrs Creek Road. However, consideration of the impact of this on the community is essential if this option is to be investigated further.

View or download the July 2011 Northern Beaches Roadkill report (PDF, 4.86MB).