Joondalup Municipality will look into virtual fencing or a natural bridge to try to stop kangaroos being killed on roads.
It unanimously supported a motion by Cr Rebecca Pizzey at its November council meeting for a report on the installation of virtual fencing or a land bridge around Pinnaroo Memorial Park and some Woodvale areas.
Cr Pizzey said she put forward the idea because of the number of kangaroos injured when they jumped government-owned fences on roads and were hit by vehicles, and were either killed or later euthanised.
“There is an ongoing problem with the numbers and condition of kangaroos at the Yellagonga catchment and Pinnaroo cemetery,” she said.
“I understand that … the catchments, the majority are owned by the DBCA, and the Metropolitan Cemeteries Board Pinnaroo.”
Cr Pizzey said a local game warden told her eight kangaroos had been euthanized within six weeks in early spring.
“Another keeper told me that one shooter alone this year has had to shoot 40 injured kangaroos on Duffy Terrace and Woodvale Drive,” she said.
“This is not only poor management for kangaroos, it makes for an even more dangerous drive along the already congested Woodvale Drive.”
However, Cr Daniel Kingston said the multi-million dollar cost of a land bridge was too much and the virtual fence could have negative effects on the overall surrounding environment, as lights and high-frequency sounds played when a car drives past could stress birds and force . them away — but praised the efforts to find a solution to the damaged roosters.
The city’s administration said in its report that kangaroo management was “an ongoing issue” due to high numbers found in reserves, particularly Yellagonga Regional Park.
“It is recommended that the city advocate to the state government to conduct a kangaroo population study within key reserves in the city,” the report said.
“Virtual fences can be explored, but they may not be suitable in the Perth metropolitan area as they have previously been tried for cattle or for kangaroos in rural areas with infrequent vehicles using roads.
“A report could be prepared for council which would include the proposed approach and cost estimates for a feasibility study to be undertaken to identify suitable options and costs for establishing ecological links, between Pinnaroo Valley Memorial Park in Padbury and Craigie Bushland in Craigie and within the Yellagonga Regional Park at Duffy Terrace and Woodvale Drive in Woodvale.”
