Gippsland › Latest news › Harriet Shing MP
Phillip Island Community Awareness to Save Wildlife
New road safety initiative to help save Short-tailed Shearwater birds
A new road safety initiative has been launched to help save Short-tailed Shearwater birds being struck and killed by cars on Phillip Island.
Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said cars are the biggest killers of this unique bird species on Phillip Island during the migratory season during April and May.
Phillip Island is home to more than one million Short-tailed Shearwaters that arrive from Alaska in September and spend the summer raising their chicks in sand dune burrows.
Last year, although 534 Short-tailed Shearwaters were rescued, 532 were struck by cars and died.
To raise awareness of the hazardous road conditions created when the fledglings attempt to fly, VicRoads and Phillip Island Nature Parks have implemented several new initiatives to help lessen the impact.
From Wednesday 25 April, the street lights on Phillip Island Bridge will be switched off so the fledglings do not fly towards the light and the speed limit will be reduced to 40km/hr.
These measures will remain in place for approximately 10 days.
A dedicated team of Phillip Island Nature Park employees and volunteers will work throughout this period to raise awareness within the community and rescue birds throughout the fledging season.
Drivers are encouraged to look out for these birds on the road, observe changed traffic conditions, and keep an eye out for rescuers on the roads at night.
Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
"It is great to see these united efforts going in to saving as many as these fabulous migratory birds as possible."
"As well as trying to ensure that these chicks complete their journey safely, it is important to be aware that they can be a hazard for motorists and we should take particular care at Phillip Island this time of year."
"Phillip Island is a place where we can enjoy wildlife as it passes through, be they whales, penguins or birdlife. We must protect our special visitors."
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: support@gippsland.com
Latest News
Community feedback needed for East Gippsland Shire Council Draft 2024/25 Budget by 29 May 2024Fresh food tax criticised by industry as lack of clarity on payment and collection will harm families and farmers
Russell Broadbent seeks answers to 20% increase in cardiac arrests by advocating investigation to include vaccine mandates
East Gippsland Shire Council highlights telecommunications infrastructure when advocating over thirty goals for community resilience and development
Russell Broadbent addresses nationwide Covid injustices-rights breaches, lockdowns, mandates and waste of $577B on vaccine and tests
Students from Orbost Community College tour East Gippsland Water facilities to learn about water safety, filtration and potential careers
Drouin wastewater treatment plant instals Australia's largest floating solar array of 644 panels as part of Gippsland Water renewable energy plan
Gippsland Water aids Wellington Mint-bush conservation through genetic research to increasing numbers and diversity
Latrobe City Council launches 'International Connections' book to celebrate 20-year anniversary of sister city agreements
Metung Bowls Club celebrates green upgrade with $200,000 grant from Sport and Recreation Victoria on 14 April 2024