At Monday’s council meeting, I will be calling on the council to write to the Minister for Roads, requesting regular maintenance of the wildlife fencing along Picton Road and Appin Road. For months, sections of the fencing have been in urgent need of repair, leaving wildlife vulnerable and increasing the risk of vehicle collisions.
There is some positive news. While travelling along Picton Road on Thursday, I noticed a significant effort over the past week to repair damaged sections of the wildlife fencing. This progress is encouraging, but it highlights the need for ongoing maintenance to prevent future deterioration.
Both Picton Road and Appin Road are major links between Wollongong, the Hume Motorway, and Western Sydney. Many people in the Illawarra are well aware of the ongoing issues with wildlife fencing, particularly following the tragic death of a koala in December. Ensuring these fences are properly maintained is a critical step in protecting our local wildlife and improving road safety.
https://www.abc.net.au/…/picton-road-koala…/104718726
I also want to see wildlife crossings incorporated into future road upgrades to provide safer passage for native animals. With ongoing housing development putting further pressure on koala habitats, it is essential that we improve protections for koala colonies and ensure road infrastructure supports coexistence with our unique wildlife.