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Conservation society proposes Wildlife Overpass for Hillsborough Road

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The Munibung Hill Conservation Society (MHCS) is seeking community support in its quest to deliver a Wildlife Overpass at Hillsborough Road.

Transport for NSW recently released plans for the long-awaited upgrade of the busy thoroughfare, from the Newcastle Inner City Bypass to west of Crockett Street, Cardiff South.

And, while the MHCS fully backs the department’s enhancements to improve traffic flow in the area, members are concerned the proposal boasts one glaring omission – protecting local native animals.

“We have no issue with the project,” president Stuart Carter said.

“In fact, it’ll allow much-improved access for Hillsborough and Cardiff South residents as well as making it safer for the thousands of motorists who use the road every day.

“However, we’d like Transport for NSW to revisit and give careful – and urgent – consideration to implementing a major change.

“Wildlife, especially invertebrates, mammals and reptiles, have become land-locked and unable to freely move or migrate between vital habitat areas.

“At the moment, the project offers the opportunity to reconnect two portions of bushland that are cut off from each other, separated by residential areas and Hillsborough Road; a very important link road. 

Artist’s impression of proposed Wildlife Overpass, Hillsborough Road. Credit: Fiona Bartley

“Just as connectivity is considered essential for human society, it is critical for native species, that if left isolated, can die out due to concentrated predation by introduced species like foxes and cats (be they feral or unrestrained domestic pets) and/or due to the reduced genetic pool.”

Mr Carter said one resolution to the dilemma was a Wildlife Overpass.

“With the benefits of hindsight, we know that if left unaddressed, these human-induced issues resulting from previously well-intentioned but now deemed inappropriate planning processes will only worsen, compounding the situation further,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.

“But, there are many good examples of these infrastructure projects (overpasses) in Australia and overseas.

“Such modern eco-engineering developments demonstrate creative solutions and send a clear message to the community that we are committed to giving wildlife the best possible chance to survive and thrive within an urban setting.

“We think there are at least five good reasons why the current plans need to be revised; why a Wildlife Overpass or bridge across Hillsborough Road, near the Crockett Street intersection, would be welcomed by all sections of the community.”

Compton Road overpass, Brisbane.

The MHCS’s motives include:

1 – Providing connectivity in the form of a native animal corridor between a significant conservation area in Cardiff South and the bushland around Charlestown Golf Club;

2 – Providing for safer pedestrian and walking track connectivity, and a possible extension of the Great North Walk;

3 – Permitting an Aboriginal art installation on the inner lining of the Wildlife Overpass;

4 – Reducing road-kill and injuries to wildlife requiring carer hospital intensive care; and

5 – Reducing wildlife crossing attempts leading to road-kill trauma for motorists, damage to vehicles requiring expensive repairs and insurance claims.

“The best way to let Transport for NSW know that Wildlife Overpasses are important is to send an email to [email protected],” Mr Carter said.

“Now is the time to do that before it’s too late.”

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