2025-09-17
ACT Greens Deputy Leader, Jo Clay, has today tabled a community petition signed by more than 1,300 people calling for a trial of virtual fencing in Canberra to reduce vehicle collisions with wildlife, like kangaroos and wombats.
The petition calls on the ACT Government to implement a virtual fencing trial along Erindale Drive between Farrer Ridge and Wanniassa Hills to reduce kangaroo-vehicle collisions and, if effective, expand the trial to other known hot spots.
From July 2024 to June 2025, 4,464 ranger callouts were made for wildlife collisions - in June alone, there were 621 callouts. Ms Clay says the actual collisions are higher, as this data relies on calls made directly to the ACT Government.
"Accidentally hitting wildlife with a car is incredibly distressing - for the animal, the driver, people who witness it and those who later see the animal on the side of the road. It is not easy for anyone to see an animal in pain and, in most cases, die," Ms Clay said.
"In some instances, people in the vehicle are also injured when they accidentally collide with wildlife. We need measures that make streets safer for everyone - including the wildlife that lives alongside us.
"Canberrans value that our city is built in and surrounded by nature. A virtual fencing trial is the least we can do to help care for our city's wildlife and the community petition tabled today shows many Canberrans want the ACT Labor Government to do this."
Eurobodalla Council reported a virtual fending trial led to a 90% reduction in kangaroo fatalities along a known hotspot and Victoria’s Surf Coast report of a trial says that over three years, there was an 81% reduction in wildlife road collisions.
Virtual fencing is a relatively low-cost and non-invasive technology designed to prevent wildlife-vehicle collisions by alerting animals to oncoming traffic.
It consists of devices, on roadside posts, that emit high-frequency sounds and flashing lights when they detect the headlights of approaching vehicles at night or in low-light conditions.
These signals are designed to deter animals, particularly kangaroos, from crossing the road when a vehicle is approaching. It does not harm wildlife or require fencing that restricts animal movement across the landscape.
Quotes attributable to lead petitioner, Aisha Bottrill:
"Just the other week, I had to stop and wait with an injured female kangaroo on Erindale Drive who sadly also lost her joey as they were flung from the pouch and hit by a car.
"Since then, there have been many more dead kangaroos on this road. This is why we so urgently need a virtual fencing trial here in Canberra.
"Wildlife carers, who are the ones on the ground caring for animals who are hit by vehicles, are seeing a decrease in call outs in places where there is virtual fencing.
"That's why wildlife carers have been calling for virtual fencing to be rolled out in more areas. They know it works and can see firsthand the impact it has on reducing collisions."