Working Wonders With Wildlife

Tablelands Regional Council has recently completed two projects aimed at protecting the region’s wildlife.

Wildlife-friendly fencing is being trialled at the Tolga Depot, and wildlife advisory signs have been installed on Curtain Fig Tree Road.

‘Our activities and movements often pose risk to our wildlife and it’s great that we have these opportunities to mitigate the damage we do,’ said Councillor Maree Baade.

‘At the depot the barbed top of the fence has snagged flying-foxes a couple of times, especially when the depot citrus trees have fruit.

‘We’ve worked with the Tolga Bat Hospital on a safety bunting deterrent and it seems to be working quite well.

‘These visual aids should also help birds, and gliders and we’re hoping to install them on other problem TRC fences.

‘There are many low-cost ways to help wildlife from becoming entangled on barbed fencing and you can find out more at Wildlife Friendly Fencing,’ Councillor Baade said.

The wildlife advisory signs on Curtain Fig Tree Road are aimed at reducing the risk to the endemic and vulnerable animals in the Curtain Fig National Park, which is bisected by the road.

‘Hopefully these signs will help protect our local wildlife, while allowing us to travel safely through the national park on this important access road,’ said Councillor Baade.

‘It’s also a way of reminding visitors and locals about the important wildlife our region protects.

‘Our landscape and wildlife are important for tourism and our way of life, but protecting wildlife is also crucial for maintaining biodiversity, which ensures ecosystem stability and resilience,’ Councillor Baade said.

The road marking signs will be complemented by two free-standing signs that will be installed in the coming months.