BREAKING: A new community initiative, Mount Alexander Wildlife Watch Inc., launched with overwhelming support on August 31, 2025, in a bid to combat wildlife road fatalities. Local leaders, including Councillor Lucas Maddock, Deputy Mayor Toby Heydon, and Councillor Rosalie Hastwell, attended the packed event featuring a keynote address by renowned road ecology expert Professor Darryl Jones from Griffith University.
During the launch, Professor Jones revealed startling statistics: wildlife crossings can reduce vehicle-animal collisions by a staggering 90 percent. He cited the successful wildlife landbridge overpass on Compton Road, Brisbane, as a global benchmark, where kangaroos and wallabies were already using the structure before its official opening.
“Across Europe, thousands of these structures exist,” Professor Jones emphasized. “In France alone, there are 380 overpasses, yet Australia has only 10, with Victoria having none.” His call to action highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure to protect Australia’s unique wildlife—considered the number one draw for tourists, as reported by Tourism Australia.
The community showed palpable enthusiasm for the initiative, with many voicing their support for the adoption of wildlife crossings to prevent road strikes. Councillor Maddock pledged to advocate for council investigations into wildlife crossings and other measures aimed at reducing these tragic incidents.
Professor Jones outlined practical solutions, stating that existing roads could be retrofitted with overpasses and underpasses with minimal effort. “Most animals don’t like to walk through water,” he noted, suggesting that simple modifications could facilitate safer wildlife movement.
As community members rallied around the cause, the next steps for Mount Alexander Wildlife Watch Inc. include advocating for council action and raising awareness about the critical need for wildlife safety measures.
For those interested in supporting the initiative or seeking more information, contact Kerrie Allen, President of Mount Alexander Wildlife Watch Inc., at 0459 159 245.
This urgent call for action has ignited a community movement to protect wildlife and reduce roadkill, making it a significant moment for environmental advocacy in Victoria. The time for change is now, and the community is ready to lead the charge.
