URGENT NEWS: A new community initiative, Mount Alexander Wildlife Watch Inc., was launched on 31 August 2025, drawing a full house in support of wildlife protection efforts in Victoria. Local councillors, including Rosalie Hastwell, Lucas Maddock, and Deputy Mayor Toby Heydon, attended the inaugural event featuring a keynote address by renowned international road ecology expert Professor Darryl Jones from Griffith University.
During the event, Professor Jones highlighted the success of wildlife crossings, such as the wildlife land bridge overpass on Compton Road, Brisbane, which has been extensively studied and is already facilitating wildlife movement even before its official opening. He explained that properly designed underpasses and overpasses can reduce vehicle-wildlife collisions by as much as 90 percent. “In Europe, thousands of these structures exist, making it nearly impossible to drive anywhere without encountering them,” he stated.
Despite Australia’s unique wildlife, which is a major draw for tourists according to Tourism Australia, the country currently has only 10 wildlife overpasses, with Victoria having none. Professor Jones emphasized the need for action, noting that overpasses can often be retrofitted on existing roads, making them a viable solution for reducing animal fatalities.
“There’s an urgent need to install these structures to protect our wildlife,” he asserted, urging local authorities to take immediate steps. The overwhelming community support for wildlife crossings during the launch has spurred Councillor Maddock to commit to advocating for further investigations into wildlife crossing measures.
The event revealed significant interest from attendees and local officials, all rallying behind the cause. “The infrastructure is already here,” Professor Jones added. “It’s just a matter of creating safe pathways for our wildlife.”
As the community gears up for further developments, residents are encouraged to reach out for more information. For inquiries, contact Kerrie Allen, President of Mount Alexander Wildlife Watch Incorporated, at 0459 159 245.
This launch represents a critical step in safeguarding wildlife across Victoria, and the community’s engagement signals a growing movement for change. The push for wildlife crossings is more urgent than ever as the impact of road strikes on local fauna becomes increasingly evident. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
