17 September 2021
Published 01 November 2019
It’s the perfect storm for wildlife – a little bit of rain on bone dry land that quickly disappears into soil, but pools on our roads.
It’s a temptation parched animals won’t be able to resist, according to Moreton Bay Regional Mayor Allan Sutherland.
“It’s a disaster waiting to happen, if more animals venture onto roads to quench their thirst” he said.
“We always urge drivers to drive to the conditions when it’s wet, but in this case you really need to slow down. Especially in our bushland areas.
“I don’t care if you don’t believe in climate change, the fact is we’re experiencing a prolonged dry and that will cause changes in animal behaviour. You can’t argue about that.
“So if water is pooling on roads, you can expect to see koalas and kangaroos and echidnas coming out to lap up whatever moisture they can.
“The responsibility to care for these creatures doesn’t rest with wildlife groups, it rests with drivers.
“So slow down!
“We already know local wildlife is on the move in search of water and food resources, we’re getting increasing reports of sightings from locals, which means animals are at greater risk of coming into conflict with vehicles.
“It doesn’t matter how many signs we erect or how many warnings we issue, the bottom line is drivers need to be alert and be careful and slow down to prevent animal injuries and death.
“These rains are very welcome, but it is not a solution and it actually presents an additional road hazard for drivers with wildlife on the move.
“Motorists should take care and keep alert for wildlife on roads and roadsides during this rain event.”