Native Wildlife Deaths Continue Along Wellington Road
Community groups and wildlife rescuers are demanding urgent action after hundreds of native animals died along Wellington Road near Lysterfield. The growing concern centres on a 6.6-kilometre stretch between Hanson Quarry and Ryans Road. That section intersects with bushland linking Lysterfield Park and its northern extension.
Local advocates say kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and other native animals continue dying almost daily along the busy road corridor. Importantly, campaigners say the issue affects more than one municipality.
The road network connects communities across the Knox City Council, Yarra Ranges Council and the Cardinia Shire Council. Residents from neighbouring suburbs regularly travel through the area.
Rescuers Record Hundreds of Animal Deaths
Wildlife rescuers claim 248 native animals died on that Wellington Road section during 2025. According to the community data, 203 were kangaroos and wallabies. In addition to this, rescuers have recorded 80 deaths to the 30th of April this year. That figure reportedly included 52 kangaroos and wallabies.
Volunteers say the numbers are likely much higher. They argue many injured animals escape into nearby bushland before rescuers can locate them. Furthermore, rescuers believe countless joeys also perish after their mothers suffer fatal strikes.
Community advocates, alongside local rescuers and volunteers, reportedly compiled much of the wildlife strike data.
Councils and Residents Push for Stronger Protections
Community members recently met with representatives from the Yarra Ranges Council to discuss potential solutions. The meeting included councillors, council staff and wildlife advocates. Campaigners have repeatedly called for electronic warning signs along the road.
They also want repairs to an existing 1.9-kilometre virtual fence system. Campaigners are also seeking an additional 4.7 kilometres of virtual fencing between Hanson Quarry and Ryans Road.
Advocates say those measures could help reduce collisions involving wildlife and motorists. They argue drivers often receive little warning when animals approach the roadside at dawn or dusk.
State Government Pressure Continues
Wildlife advocates say they have contacted councils, local MPs and the Victorian Government for more than a year. To his credit, State MP Kim Wells has reportedly raised the matter in Parliament several times.
Community representatives also presented evidence during a parliamentary inquiry into wildlife road strikes. Despite the issue being raised in parliament, advocates claim little has changed on the road itself.
Wellington Road remains under the control of the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning. As a consequence, councils can advocate for changes but cannot independently implement major road safety upgrades.
Petition Launched as Calls Grow Louder
Animal welfare organisation Vets for Compassion has now launched a petition calling for urgent intervention. Supporters hope stronger safety measures will reduce wildlife deaths while improving driver awareness across the region.
For more insight into this issue and the challenges facing our native fauna in a modern world, visit Sues Roos Kangaroo Rescue-Rehab-Release on facebook. You can access the petition launched by Vets for Compassion.
Campaigners say the issue extends beyond animal welfare alone. They argue wildlife collisions also create significant risks for motorists travelling between Knox, Cardinia and the Yarra Ranges. As pressure mounts, residents continue urging authorities to act before more animals die along the busy road corridor.
