Safety first for residents and wildlife
Living in a semi-rural area means sharing our environment with a variety of wildlife.
While this connection to nature is one of the joys of our community, Division 11 Councillor Natalie Willcocks says it also has responsibilities, especially when it comes to protecting animals that may be injured or in distress.
‘Wildlife is most active during dawn and dusk, which unfortunately coincides with peak driving times,’ Cr Willcocks says.
‘Animals are often drawn to roadsides in search of food and water, particularly during droughts or when vegetation is sparse.
‘This increases the risk of collisions, as animals may dart across roads unpredictably as part of their natural escape behaviour.’
If you come across injured wildlife, Division 11 residents are advised to:
Stay safe: First and foremost, ensure your own safety. Pull over carefully and avoid approaching the animal directly, as injured wildlife can be frightened and unpredictable.
Do not attempt to handle the animal: Even small animals can cause injury if they feel threatened. Handling them without proper training can also worsen their condition.
Call a wildlife carer: Contact a local wildlife rescue service for help. These professionals are trained to assess and care for injured animals safely and humanely.
Drive to conditions: Always be mindful of your surroundings, especially during early morning and evenings. Slowing down and staying alert can make all the difference, not just for your safety, but for the lives of local wildlife.
‘By driving to conditions, we can together help protect the animals that make our community so special,’ Cr Willcocks says.
For any Division 11 residents who might need assistance, local wildlife carer groups include:
SEQ Rotary Wildlife Rescue (Mel Dunne 0467 231 952)
Flagstone Wildlife Rescue (Bob Wiley 0417 537 273)
RSPCA (1300 264 625)
Wildcare (07 5527 2444)
Bat Conservation and Rescue Queensland (David Kenny 0438 705 406)
Brisbane Area Rescue Network (Jace Grant 0427 919 198)
