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Safe passage for native wildlife using highway underpasses
New research from Southern Cross University provides compelling evidence that road underpasses can lessen the impact of highway upgrades on Australia’s native wildlife populations.
In the first long-term study of underpasses in Australia, published in the journal Ecology and Evolution, the underpasses, located on the NSW Mid North Coast, were shown to help the movement of many wildlife species across landscapes on either side of highways.
The study also allayed concerns that predators, particularly introduced feral pests, use underpasses as a prey-trap, at least by the observations at these locations.
Wildlife cameras detected more than 4,800 medium-tolarge mammals and goannas using highway underpasses located at Port Macquarie and Grafton over a two-year period.
Species such as eastern grey kangaroos, swamp wallabies, red-necked wallabies, red-necked pademelons and lace monitors crossed some underpasses more than once per week.
Rufous bettongs and echidnas crossed individual underpasses every two to four weeks.
“More than 4800 detections were made; that number was quite astounding,” said lead researcher Associate Professor Ross Goldingay.
“These crossing rates suggests animals used the underpasses to forage on both side of the freeways.
“This research provides compelling evidence that highway upgrades in Australia need not threaten wildlife populations if road underpasses are installed. The underpasses are installed in conjunction with mesh fences (often with a floppy top to stop koalas climbing over) that line the highways to keep animals off the road and direct them to the underpasses to cross.”
However, Associate Professor Goldingay cautioned: “We should not use apparent underpass effectiveness to justify expanding our road networks where they do not belong.
“Australia’s wildlife species are increasingly threatened with extinction by habitat clearing and fragmentation. One leading cause of this is the expansion of our road network, particularly the upgrade and duplication of major highways.
“Underpasses are a useful generic tool to enable wildlife to move across landscapes with roads. But not all ground-dwelling species of wildlife will find underpasses to their liking but so far many do.”
The predators detected at the underpasses were the introduced red fox (pest), feral cat (pest) and dingo.
The researchers studied 12 road underpasses – five under the Oxley Highway at Port Macquarie; and seven under the Pacific Highway south of Grafton – over two to three years, comparing camera trap detections of animals at underpasses with those at nearby forest sites.
Murwillumbah District Hospital to continue to play important role in regional healthcare
Murwillumbah District Hospital will continue to play a substantial and important role in providing health services to the Tweed Valley community well into the future, alongside the new Tweed Valley Hospital once it opens to patients.
Northern NSW Local Health District has recently completed a comprehensive analysis and planning assessment which has determined the mix of health services which will be required at the hospital to meet the healthcare needs of the region.
NNSWLHD Chief Executive Wayne Jones said Murwillumbah District Hospital was
wellplaced to continue delivering excellent care, thanks to its dedicated workforce and some recent and planned upgrades. “This analysis provides the Health District, our staff and the wider community certainty over the future of health services in our region, and will ensure the
GRANTS TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY RESILIENCE
community continues to have access to safe and high-quality health services right across our footprint,” Mr Jones said.
“The vast majority of existing services which are provided at Murwillumbah District Hospital will remain in place, such as the Emergency Department, low-complex day surgery, inpatient wards, rehabilitation, palliative care, chemotherapy and renal dialysis.”
Some surgical services will move to the new Tweed Valley Hospital, to take advantage of the state-of-the-art theatre suite. There will be no loss of staff as a result of the changes.
RACGP releases COVID-19 antivirals resource
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has released a new resource to help GPs assess eligibility for COVID-19 antiviral treatments.
The “prescribing workfow” guidelines provide information for GPs on carrying out assessments so that patients can have quick access to the potentially lifesaving treatments if they subsequently test positive to the virus. The guidelines cover the use of Molnupiravir, which is sold as Lagevrio, and nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir, branded as Paxlovid, both of which are now listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefts Scheme (PBS).
Last month, the college welcomed eligibility criteria for the two treatments being broadened to allow more patients to access them, including anyone over the age of 70.
RACGP President Adj. Professor Karen Price said the resource came at a crucial time.
“This is the frst time guidelines have been released on how to do pre-emptory assessments for these treatments,” she said.
Local councils and organisations committed to working together to strengthening their communities have been supported with funding thanks to the NSW Government.
Six councils have been awarded a share in more than $400,000 through the inaugural round of the NSW Government’s Social Cohesion Grants, which supports projects aimed at rebuilding, reconnecting and strengthening their communities.
Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman said councils were best placed to deliver the social cohesion projects.
“These grant recipients have targeted programs that are designed to support people, to connect with each other, and to build resilience so that closer-knit communities can endure any future challenges,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
Minister for Multiculturalism and Minister for Seniors Mark Coure said when governments work with grassroots organisations, they can achieve greater community outcomes.
“These six councils will deliver programs with organisations that strengthen bonds between people, reduce social isolation, tackle racism and build community resilience.”
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Work to start on Captain Cook Memorial and Lighthouse upgrade
Work is set to begin on the upgrade of Captain Cook Memorial and Lighthouse on the NSW-Queensland border, which will include the demolition and rebuild of the Marine Rescue NSW facility at Point Danger.
The $5.5 million project will go ahead following the announcement today of $2,023,449 in additional funding from the NSW Government’s Cross Border Commissioner’s Infrastructure Fund.
This adds to funding already committed to the project by the NSW Government’s Restart NSW Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund ($798,000*), the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage ($50,000) as well as joint funding from the City of Gold Coast ($1.7 million) and Tweed Shire Council ($902,000).
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW said the COVID Recovery Round of the Cross-Border Commissioner’s Infrastructure Fund is an important recognition of the once-in-a-century challenges faced by border communities over the past few years.
“I know cross-border communities like the Tweed made many additional sacrifices over the past two years and experienced a devastating reduction in spending in their local businesses when travel restrictions were put in place and borders were closed,” Mr Toole said.
“This is why the NSW government is committed to working with local cross-border communities to boost their economic prosperity now and into the future.”
Following a rigorous tender process, construction company Lloyd Group has been appointed to undertake the upgrade. Work is set to begin on site within 4 weeks and is expected to be completed by mid-2023.
Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry welcomed the additional funding, saying it was required to repair the failing structure and provide a fitting signature building for the popular lookout.
“Straddling the NSW-QLD border, Point Danger is not only a must-see destination for visitors to the Tweed and Gold Coasts with its spectacular views, but a critical viewpoint for the incredible volunteers at Marine Rescue NSW who monitor and guide the safety of mariners crossing the Tweed River bar,” Cr Cherry said.
“It is important we preserve this heritage site and make it more accessible for all to use. The existing border markers will remain and the rebuild will preserve the aesthetics of the original Captain Cook Memorial and Lighthouse structure originally built in 1971.”
City of Gold Coast Councillor Gail O’Neill said Point Danger was one of the region’s most iconic headlands and it was wonderful to see the shared vision from both sides of the border coming together to preserve this important site.
“It’s not only a site of historic significance but one of great relevance to our local community today and a must-see location for those visiting the area,” Cr O’Neill said.
“The new facilities include fully accessible public amenities and a café with the best view on the Gold Coast and will give the area the prominence it deserves.”
The upgrade will rejuvenate the area and provide much-needed public toilets with safe and wheelchair-friendly access around the building and up to the viewing podium. A new café will also be built, with tabled seating both inside and outside on the public viewing lower deck.
Fingal Head indigenous artist Christine Slabb has been given a blank canvas to provide indigenous storyboards for the café gallery and interpretive artwork in the surrounding landscape.
The story of the volunteer Marine Rescue service will also be told, along with some narrative around European settlement of the area.
The Captain Cook Memorial and Lighthouse structure was originally built in 1971, with an extension to house Marine Rescue NSW built in 1990. This facility currently has numerous structural defects and concrete cancer, with the cost to maintain it as fit for occupation no longer sustainable.
Residents and visitors are advised parking around the lookout will be reduced during construction to accommodate the works.
While pedestrians will be able to visit the lookout parklands and Coolangatta Centaur Memorial and Walk of Remembrance, there will be no pedestrian access around the ocean-front side of the site while construction is underway.
Marine Rescue NSW has already relocated to its own building on Duranbah Beach to accommodate the construction works. On completion, they will return to the building. Its fundraising ventures will continue, with the new lessee of the cafe required to stock and sell the products made by its volunteers. The cafe, which will operate daily from 6 am to 8 pm, will be leased via public tender towards the end of construction.
For more information on the project, visit yoursaytweed.com. au/Captain-CookMemorial.
RACGP welcomes children vaccine announcement
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has welcomed the federal Government’s decision to make a Moderna COVID-19 vaccine available to young Australian children.
From 5 September, certain at-risk children aged 6 months to under 5 years at higher risk of developing severe illness from the virus will be eligible to receive the vaccine. This includes children who are immunocompromised, those with a disability, as well as children who have complex and/or multiple health conditions which increase the risk of COVID-19.
RACGP President Adj. Professor Karen Price said it was another positive step forward in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.
“This is promising news for Australian families,” he said.
“With tens of thousands of new COVID-19 cases emerging every day in communities across Australia, including in children aged 6 months to fve years, it could not come at a better time. Once again, I remind everyone that all the COVID-19 vaccines are extremely safe and effective and will signifcantly reduce the incidence of people suffering severe effects from the virus, including hospitalisation or worse.”
The RACGP President warned that practices delivering COVID-19 vaccines needed more assistance.
COASTAL IMPLEMENTATION GRANTS OPEN
Coastal Councils in NSW are now eligible to apply for the latest implementation round of the Coastal and Estuary Grants Program, funded by the NSW Government.
Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman said the funding supports councils to undertake the necessary actions identifed in their certifed Coastal Management Programs (CMPs) and Coastal Zone Management Plans (CZMPs) to manage risks within and surrounding their coastal zones.
“Local Government Week 2022 is an opportunity to acknowledge the diverse ways councils maintain our local environment, so this annual funding round is an important step for coastal and estuarine councils,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
“Through this program, councils can now apply for implementation funding to protect coastal zones, improve estuarine ecosystems and enhance the scenic, social and cultural values of the coast.”
Implementation grants can be used for a variety of actions, including dune management and stabilisation, restoring or enhancing riparian vegetation or other coastal protection works.
“Our coastlines and estuaries are important ecological locations that are often integral to community identity and the local economy,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
“These long-term plans and programs will assist councils in ensuring these aspects of our lifestyle are maintained.”
The Department of Planning and Environment’s 202223 funding round for implementation grants closes on 14 September 2022.
The implementation stream is in addition to the planning stream, which councils can apply for at any time during the 2022-23 fnancial year for funding to prepare a CMP.
Lismore to host Ulysses Club AGM in 2023
Lismore Mayor Steve Kreig said Lismore will host the 39th annual Ulysses Club Annual General Meeting (AGM) in May next year.
The major event will be held from Monday, 1 May to Sunday, 7 May 2023, with more than 2000 motorcycle enthusiasts from across Australia converging on Lismore for six days of fellowship and celebrations.
The major event was originally due to be held in May 2020 however it was postponed to 2023 due to COVID-19.
The Ulysses Club is a social club for motorcyclists over 40 with the motto ‘Growing Old Disgracefully’.
Mayor Krieg said the event will benefit our local economy.
“We are so excited to host the Ulysses Club AGM and cannot wait to welcome over 2000 enthusiasts to Lismore.”
“The club members will primarily use the Lismore Showground for their various events. However, they will also shop and eat in town with many attendees to camp at the Showgrounds. Others will fill accommodation in Lismore and throughout the region.
“The event will inject an economic value of $2.2 million muchneeded funds into the Lismore economy at a crucial time in the recovery/rebuild phase.”
Ulysses Club Northern Rivers Branch member Colleen Gaudron said she was thrilled to have the AGM on home turf.
“The Northern Rivers Branch was very excited about being awarded the opportunity to host the 2023 AGM event after a long road with some unexpected challenges,” she said.
“Our members of the Northern Rivers Branch are excited to show off Lismore and our amazing region.”
The Ulysses Club has been meeting every year for its AGM since its inception in Sydney in 1983, and the AGM has grown to become a significant event where towns and cities now bid for the privilege to play host.
Visitors are expected to bring 1500 to 2000 motorcycles to Lismore. The event week includes opening and closing ceremonies, daily organised rides, an awards presentation, an Extended National Committee Meeting and, of course the Annual General Meeting.
Thanks to all those who attended and supported the North Coast Tourism Symposium and Awards Gala Dinner held last Thursday in Grafton.
The Symposium kicked off with an energetic and thought provoking start with key note presentations;
Leading futurist Steve Sammartino who challenged the audience to think big whilst remaining agile and adaptable to changing situations, Stewart Moore CEO of Earthcheck provided some great insights into the opportunities that embracing the wellness sector and integrating sustainability practices into all aspects of your business presents and leading AI, Metaverse and Web3 expert Dr Catriona Wallace opened up all of our minds to what technology is currently available and the enormous potential that it will unleash moving forward.
Hearing from these three leading practitioners in their field of expertise wasn’t enough though, as we wanted them to battle it out for the future of our industry! The resulting panel session was a highly engaging and entertaining debate of the merits of each sector and how they will help transform tourism. Who won? No surprises here, but all three elements of foresight and ambition, technology and human capital will be vital moving forward to ensure we reach our potential.
The audience received updates from Tourism Australia on the state of the international market and how best to leverage the great work that they do, Destination NSW provided an insightful presentation into the development, rollout and collaborative opportunities that exist with their new brand platform ‘Feel New’ and Destination North Coast provided a regional update highlighting key programs and the North Coast’s role in achieving the ambitious state and national 2030 targets.
National Parks & Wildlife Service gave a North Coast update and an in depth look into the incredibly exciting redevelopment of the Arc Rainforest Centre and the new Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk. Earthcheck the consultants engaged to assist in the development of the refreshed North Coast Destination Management Plan were able to provide an early look into the key themes that will be introduced into the revised document.
To wrap the day up the fantastic team at Clarence Valley Council informed the audience on the great work that they are doing to beautify key locations for both locals and visitors, the depth of experience on offer in the destination and their vision for tourism moving forward.
Clarence Valley to become a Refugee Welcome Zone
Clarence Valley Council will sign the Refugee Welcome Zone Declaration to help support refugees and people seeking asylum.
Mayor Ian Tiley proposed that Council take the necessary steps to become a Refugee Welcome Zone In a Mayoral Minute presented to the Ordinary Council Meeting at Grafton Council Chambers on 26 July.
“It is becoming increasingly important that communities welcome refugees and advocate for their permanent protection,” Mayor Tiley said.
“Regardless of our differences, we all share the need for acceptance and to heal.
“Our community can collectively work towards building a fairer and more compassionate society by being welcoming to those who have experienced injustice, persecution and exclusion.”
The councillors showed unanimous support for the Mayoral Minute.
The Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) is the national umbrella body for refugees and people seeking asylum and those who support them.
Over 170 Australian local government councils have become Refugee Welcome Zones, including nearby councils Armidale, Ballina, Byron, Coffs Harbour, Glen Innes, Lismore, Port Macquarie and Tweed.
“The process for becoming a Refugee Welcome Zone is very straightforward and simply involves the Council signing the Refugee Welcome Zone Declaration,” Mayor Tiley said.
“Becoming a Refugee Welcome Zone can motivate local government and support groups to work together more effectively to improve settlement outcomes for refugees.
Coffs Harbour has a new location for locals to return and earn with the opening of a new Return and Earn machine at Toormina Shopping Centre.
City of Coffs Harbour residents are already enthusiastic recyclers, having returned more than 110 million containers for recycling since Return and Earn launched in 2017.
“This new return point brings the total number in the Coffs Harbour local government area to four. This is fantastic news for the local community, providing them with greater access and convenience to return their eligible bottles and cans,” said James Dorney, CEO of TOMRA Cleanaway, network operator for Return and Earn.
Located in the Toormina Shopping Centre, the new machine gives users the option to print a voucher for the refund amount, redeemable for cash at Coles, or they can opt for an e-voucher, payment into their bank account or PayPal by downloading the Return and Earn app before visiting. They can also choose to donate some or all their refund to one of the charity partners listed on the machine.
“More than $30 million has been raised for charities and community groups via donations and fees from hosting return points since the scheme commenced in 2017. In the Coffs Harbour area, local charities and schools are increasingly using the scheme to raise much-needed funds.” Mr
Seven local groups are to share $40,753 in arts and cultural grants from Council that will bring new and exciting opportunities to celebrate the cultural diversity of the Coffs Coast community.
This year’s funding round includes grants for a theatre performance exploring the shocking 1847 event known as the Coutts Crossing Massacre, to support a new jazz festival, pre-school art workshops, youth ukulele lessons to support wellbeing and mental health, mentoring young and emerging artists in professional growth, an art sector peer support initiative and a project that brings together gardeners and an artist to create a unique artwork.
Council annually offers grants from $1,000 to $7,000 through its Arts and Cultural Development Grants program to help support the implementation of the Creative Coffs –
New Return and Earn machine opens in Toormina
Dorney said. Local rugby union club Coffs Harbour Snappers is currently featured as the local donation partner on the Toormina Return and Earn machine. All donations will go towards the purchase of portable aluminium grandstands for additional seating at Rugby Park in Toormina.
Cultural Strategic Plan 2017-2022.
“It’s great to be able to offer assistance to such a diverse range of local projects – and to see so many talented youth coming to the fore,” said Coffs Harbour Mayor Councillor Paul Amos.
“Nurturing and supporting local artists of all ages is a privilege and can only help build and strengthen our culturally diverse community.”
The successful projects are: • Coffs Harbour High School P&C Association, Dawaaalam: a theatrical response to the Coutts Crossing Massacre of 1847 -$5,920 • Coffs Harbour Regional Conservatorium, Coffs Coast Jazz Festival 2022 - $7,000 • Gamumbi Early Childhood Education Centre Incorporated, Children’s Art Matters - Our Stories - $2,500 • GenHealth Inc. (trading as Headspace Coffs Harbour), Coffs Ukulele Youth Group - $4,333 • Sawtell Art Group, Mentorship program for emerging and early
Arts grants support community-led creative projects Temporary closure of Houghlahans Creek Road, Tintenbar
Ballina Shire Council will temporarily close both lanes of traffic on a section of Houghlahans Creek Road from Monday 1 August to Friday 12 August 2022 (weather permitting). This essential road closure will allow Council staff to safely complete urgent repairs to a Houghlahans Creek Road causeway, which was significantly damaged in the recent floods. career artists - $7,000 During this road • The Friends of the closure, the local North Coast Regional school bus service will Botanic Gardens Inc, pick up and drop off Artists in the Garden at the intersection of Houghlahans Creek (Phase 2) - $7,000 Road and Tintenbar • Woolgoolga Regional Road. Community Gardens There will be Inc, Woolgoolga no through traffic Regional Community possible at the work Gardens Entrance site and residents will need to use alternate Mosaic - $7,000. routes. Council thanks residents for their assistance and patience during these urgent works and temporary road closure. For road status updates visit livetraffic.com For enquires about the road closure or causeway repairs works please contact the Civil Services team on 1300 864 444.
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Flood clean-up program extended to assist private land holders
A key food cleanup program has been expanded to assist private landowners in affected areas remove debris from their land following this year’s destructive foods.
The Land-based Clean-up Program is being run by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and now includes the cleanup of large, man-made and hazardous debris that has remained on properties after food waters have receded.
NSW EPA food recovery manager Martin Puddey said the program would reduce the cost and burden for those recovering from the food events.
“This is an excellent addition to the program. The Land Based Flood Debris Clean-Up Program has removed more than 420m3 of food debris since February,” Mr Puddey said.
The Land-based Program had previously focused primarily on the removal of food debris from public food plains and lowlying public land. Clean-up has already been completed at 57 sites and is planned for a further 117 sites. These sites include Lismore, Ballina, Byron Bay and Tweed local government areas. The program applies to all disaster declared local government areas in NSW.
Private land holders can apply for food debris to be removed under the Program using an application form on the Service NSW website. Members of the community can assist the clean-up of their local area by reporting food debris to the Environment Line on 131 555 or info@ epa.nsw.gov.au
Gallery dining hits new heights
The art of dining is taking on a new perspective at the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre with the gallery café opening under new owners from next week.
Toby Bamford and his partner Hannah Setchell, together known as The Munch Bunch, are looking forward to the challenge of creating a special food experience for visitors to the Gallery when they take over the café.
The Munch Bunch will commence trading at the café from Wednesday 10 August after securing the tender to operate the business.
Toby, who has years of experience in the food business, is no stranger to the Tweed and was involved in starting Marine restaurant at Kingscliff 20 years ago.
As locals, both Toby and Hannah have been regular visitors to the Gallery since it opened and the possibility of operating the café has always been a goal.
“Naturally when the café operation came up for tender, we knew we had to go for it and we are delighted to have the opportunity to fulfil a dream,” Toby said.
“The café at the Gallery has always been popular and has enjoyed a reputation for good food. We aim to expand on that in a number of ways.
“Not only will visitors be able to stop and enjoy a coffee with sweet or savoury snacks but we will also be offering full table service for those who wish to stay longer and take in the magnificent views.”
Toby said the café was undergoing some minor refurbishments that would enhance the dining experience without taking away from the charm and appeal of the Gallery.
“We have renamed the café to Apex Dining which is more than just a name, it reflects our goals of providing quality food and service at one of Australia’s foremost regional galleries,” he said.
“Our diverse menu will heavily feature local produce coupled with Indigenous ingredients to really create some unique dishes.
“We would also like to bring in some pan-Asian flavours but this is far from being an Asian cuisine – it is more of an infusion bringing together local and regional styles.”
The café, being licensed, will also feature local beverages, particularly craft beers and the wine list will be extensively Australian with some natural and organic wines.
“We have put together a great team, both in the kitchen and front of house, and we are confident of delivering a new dining option for both visitors and locals,” Toby said.
“We know the Gallery is a strong drawcard for people around Australia and with what we aim to offer on a food level, we hope that Tweed locals will see the Gallery as a dining destination as well.”
The Gallery Apex Dining café will open from Wednesday to Sunday from 9am to 4pm.
NEW FACILITY HELPING TO PRESERVE NORTH COAST KOALA POPULATION
Injured and sick koalas receiving lifesaving treatment and inoculations at a new facility on the Tweed Coast have delivered 10 joeys.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole today visited the Tweed Coast Koala Research Hub at Pottsville, which was delivered thanks to $369,762 from Round Two of the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.
Mr Toole said the facility, which commenced operations in February 2021, includes enclosure shelters capable of holding up to eight koalas and a food plantation with 1,800 trees that will feed koalas being cared for, as well as pathways, landscaping, fencing and other infrastructure.
“This facility is creating a home away from home for koalas which are sick and injured and making it easier to ensure Far North Coast koala populations are inoculated with the chlamydia jab as part of ongoing vaccine trials,” Mr Toole said.
“Over the past year, the success of the program has really been highlighted, with at least 10 joeys born to vaccinated koalas, and I am pleased to see this facility and its partnership with Currumbin Wildlife Hospital is making a meaningful difference.”
Member for Tweed Geoff Provest said the Tweed was passionate about protecting and caring for its precious koala population.
“We love our koalas here in the Tweed and it’s good to see another practical investment by the NSW Liberal Nationals Government to ensure Tweed koalas survive and prosper alongside us,” Mr Provest said.
“The Tweed Coast Koala Research Hub is another step we’ve taken towards achieving the NSW Koala Strategy’s objectives of stabilising and then doubling the population of NSW.”
Currumbin Wildlife Hospital Senior Vet Dr Michael Pyne said the Research Hub would have a positive impact on the Tweed Coast koala population and the species as a whole.
“The Tweed Coast Koala Research Hub is going to make a huge difference to the lives of koalas. We look forward to managing the facility and vaccinating as many koalas as possible, ensuring the species will have a safe future in the area for years to come,” Dr Pyne said.
Applications for Round Five of the Stronger Country Communities Fund opens Friday, 5 August 2022. For more information, visit: www. nsw.gov.au/SCCF
Feral deer alert activated for Byron Shire
In a big blow for the environment, the Northern Rivers has been placed on feral deer alert and Council is urging the community to take photos and report any feral deer sightings immediately via www. deerscan.org.au
“Tweed Shire’s sightings have recently gone through the roof with deers causing a serious car collision and many near misses and collisions that are happening on a daily basis,” Council’s Biodiversity Team Leader Liz Caddick said.
“This is a real concern to us because we know the Rusa male deers have been recently spotted around the Byron Shire. If you start seeing 2 or 3 you probably have 10 to 20 around and the damage they’re likely to cause is significant so acting fast and reporting any sightings is critical,” she said.
“The Northern Rivers is one of the few areas left on the eastern seaboard of Australia where deer have not yet become established and we need to pull together and do everything we can to keep it that way.
“Besides being very big and fast, feral deer are usually on the move at dawn and dusk in rural areas. If you’re out and about during these times, our advice is to slow down on our roads because deer can step out onto the road and are big enough to cause a serious accident.
“While slowing down to avoid a collision with a deer, you’ll also be helping to reduce the devastating native wildlife and koala casualties we’ve recently experienced on our roads,” Ms Caddick said.
June to October is deer mating season and the feral Rusa males will be actively moving around to attract a mate.
You can report sightings via www. deerscan.org.au
