Community & Business
14 March, 2025
Tree kangaroo deaths prompt urgent action
THE deaths of Lumholtz tree kangaroos on the road near the Malanda Falls have prompted Tablelands Regional Council to request an urgent review into speed limits and other factors that may reduce the number of animals hit by vehicles.
The recommendation came from council’s Natural Asset Management Advisory Committee (NAMAC) at its latest meeting after the issue was raised, amidst suggestions signage could be updated in the area that could warn motorists about the presence of wildlife crossing the Malanda-Atherton Road.
The disturbing number of tree kangaroos who are injured or killed on the road was brought into the spotlight last year, with a local carer desperately pleading with road users to be on the lookout for the animals.
At the NAMAC meeting, Cr Dave Bilney suggested the group take the issue a step further than just updating signage, advising that the council’s Traffic Advisory Committee had sought a meeting with the Department of Transport and Main Roads months ago to address the problem.
He advised that due to additional issues at the location with pedestrians could warrant a more comprehensive approach to keep the wildlife and people safe.
The matter was endorsed at TRC’s last ordinary meeting and calls for an urgent meeting with DTMR to implement “adequate safety improvements” to tackle the problem.
