As part of our ongoing efforts to reduce wildlife strikes in Noosa which included commissioning and funding a report Noosa MP study, Noosa Wildlife-Vehicle Injuries Investigation (2021-2023) for the use of Noosa Council and the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) on their respective roads, we asked TMR whether they are considering installing signage to warn drivers about wildlife and display contact details for local wildlife rescue organisations in identified strike zones.

North Coast TMR has since provided the response below in italics, which outlines the measures they consider effective in reducing wildlife vehicle collisions, information on signage design standards, and a commitment to explore additional wildlife mitigation options in line with future capital works on state-controlled roads.

While the permanent installation of standard wildlife warning signage is intended to modify driver behaviour by warning motorists of Wildlife Vehicle Collisions (WVC), TMR does not consider this signage alone as an effective, long-term solution to mitigate WVC as it does not always encourage motorists to reduce their speed and can often result in reduced effectiveness of the sign.

A range of other factors that influence driver behaviour include the design speed of the road, regular enforcement of speed limits, physical traffic calming measures, targeted community awareness campaigns, and regular evidence of the need to reduce speeds (such as sightings of wildlife by motorists themselves).

Erecting enhanced or temporary wildlife warning signs such as Variable Message Signs at targeted locations is considered a more effective treatment to alert motorists and the use and placement of these signs is reviewed regularly.

Further, we provide signage on state-controlled roads in accordance with national guidelines detailed in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Signage with wildlife rescuer contact information is currently not included in the signage design standards outlined in the MUTCD. On this basis, we are unable to install this form of signage on state-controlled roads. Any existing signage of this type on state roads is progressively being removed as signage is replaced or upgraded.

At this stage, we are continuing to explore further wildlife mitigation controls along with any future capital expenditure projects on state-controlled roads in the Noosa Shire. We work with various wildlife organisations and local governments to collect data relating to fauna/vehicle interactions on state-controlled roads and this data is used in conjunction with publicly available data such as KoalaTracker and WildNet to inform road planning projects and to identify priority locations for fauna infrastructure.

While we appreciate this response, it is disappointing that there is currently no provision within the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), which is used throughout Australia, for signage that includes wildlife rescue contact information, particularly given the demonstrated value of immediate reporting to rescue groups in improving outcomes for injured wildlife. We have asked TMR to consider incorporating this as a Queensland supplement of the MUTCD to account for local needs and conditions.

We are encouraged to hear that TMR is continuing to explore additional wildlife mitigation measures and that data from local wildlife organisations and platforms like KoalaTracker and WildNet is informing planning. We have also asked whether data from Noosa Council’s WildWatch Noosa app is being incorporated to ensure localised information is fully utilised.

As previously advised, following our advocacy for a centralised wildlife strike database and the provision of our Noosa MP-funded wildlife strike study to the Minister for Environment and the Minister for Transport and Main Roads, we have received confirmation that options for an online centralised database will be presented to the Minister for Environment upon completion of the review of the South East Queensland Koala Conservation Strategy. You can read our earlier update at www.sandybolton.com/noosa-mp-funded-study-to-protect-our-wildlife-update-july-2025/.

We will continue to monitor the progress of the new Southeast Queensland Koala Conservation Strategy and the establishment of a centralised database.

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:

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