Further to our November 2025 update regarding wildlife warning signage and the inclusion of local wildlife rescuer contact details, we sought clarification from the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) on whether amendments to the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) could be made to support improved reporting outcomes.
As previously advised, local wildlife rescuer contact details are not currently incorporated within the MUTCD. TMR has since provided the following information our queries:
a) Whether state-specific amendments can be made to the MUTCD by TMR?
Yes, the MUTCD which is based on Australian Standard 1742 and includes Queensland specific variations to the standard, is maintained and updated by TMR as required.
b) Whether an amendment allowing the inclusion of wildlife rescuer contact details on signs in wildlife strike hotspots would be considered?
The MUTCD currently includes provisions for the use of the 1300 ANIMAL telephone number for helping road users who encounter injured animals throughout Queensland. The easy to remember number connects callers to a 24-hour centralised RSPCA call centre. Call centre operators then determine the appropriate local wildlife carer to assist with the injured animal.
Clarification on local contact details
Following further discussions with departmental staff, we understand that inclusion of local wildlife rescuer contact details on signage is not supported by TMR. This is due to the potential for volunteer-led organisations to cease operating because of funding or volunteer shortages, which may result in outdated information being displayed.
The 1300 ANIMAL number is supported as it connects callers to a centralised RSPCA call centre, which maintains a current directory and can direct residents to the appropriate local wildlife carers.
Request for Noosa signage
While the 1300 ANIMAL number is included within the MUTCD provisions, Noosa currently does not have suitable signage displaying this number in identified wildlife strike hotspots.
We have therefore requested the total number of signage incorporating the 1300 ANIMAL number in the Noosa Electorate and where they are located, as well that they be considered for installation wildlife strike hotspots.
Further information
Our Noosa MP-funded study, Noosa Wildlife-Vehicle Injuries Investigation, is available at www.bit.ly/NoosaWildlife
For those who would like to directly advocate regarding the state government aspects of this, contact the following:
- Minster for Transport and Main Roads via transportandmainroads@ministerial.qld.gov.au.
- Minister for Environment via environment@ministerial.qld.gov.au.
Please copy our office in via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au and forward any response you receive to us.
For our previous Noosa 360 updates regarding wildlife strikes, please visit www.sandybolton.com/?s=wildlife.
For further information on the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, visit https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/business-industry/technical-standards-publications/manual-of-uniform-traffic-control-devices.aspx
To report wildlife sightings on Noosa Council’s WildWatch Noosa app, visit www.noosa.qld.gov.au/Environment-and-Waste/Environment/Trees-plants-and-animals/Wildlife-Sightings-Submissions
For further information on KoalaTracker visit www.koalatracker.com.au and for Wildnet visit www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/species-information/wildnet