Wildlife volunteers are warning motorists to take extra care on Sunshine Coast roads after hundreds of native animals were killed or injured by vehicles during the past year.
Wildlife Volunteers Association Inc (WILVOS) recorded 599 wildlife-vehicle impacts across the region from July 2024 to June 2025 – a 9 per cent increase on the previous year’s 550. Birds, possums and macropods were the most common victims, with echidna collisions also rising during the cooler months.
The group also logged more incidents with unknown causes (1576, up from 1213), many suspected to be vehicle strikes, while hotline calls also jumped (5200 to 5698).
WILVOS vice-chair Donna Brennan urged drivers to be careful, especially during winter.
“Be aware: the wildlife are there, even if not always seen,” she said.
“Drive within the speed limit or well under if it’s late afternoon, night or early morning. In winter, accidents with kangaroos and possums increase. Once the sun goes down the animals come out and this is when people are travelling home from work or sports practice with family.”
Ms Brennan said 45 of the 599 animals recorded as vehicle strike victims were marked as roadkill but that figure was “vastly under-represented”.
She said population growth and busier roads were putting pressure on wildlife.
“The increase of our population has had an impact and drivers don’t drive with due care and attention or to conditions at dawn and dusk,” she said.
“Speeding is an issue on many local roads. But sometimes it is impossible to avoid impact.”
She also pointed to land clearing and domestic pets as major contributors.
“Large-scale developments often aren’t efficient with their spotter/catcher processes. Small landowners are notorious for buying a few acres and turning it into a bowling green until the novelty of the ride-on mower wears off,” she said.
“One eucalypt or other large tree can house so many species in their hollows. And with the increase in population comes the inevitable uncontained pets. Dogs and cat attacks account for numerous native animals’ injuries and deaths.”
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A Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) spokesperson said fauna protection was a key consideration in road design.
“We design, construct and maintain roads in accordance with the Fauna Sensitive Road Design Manual, which provides guidance on measures that reduce fauna strikes on our roads,” the spokesperson said.
“TMR uses a range of wildlife safety treatments, such as wildlife signage and fauna exclusion fencing at priority locations.”
The department said contractors alerted authorities such as the RSPCA or local wildlife carers to seek treatment for injured animals when required.
TMR also works with the Queensland Koala Advisory Council; the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation; and local governments to deliver the South-East Queensland Koala Conservation Strategy, which includes measures to identify and reduce animal-vehicle collisions.
Members of the public have been encouraged to report hazards and wildlife incidents on state-controlled roads by calling 13 90 40.
“The department regularly patrols the state-controlled road network to identify hazards, including roadkill, to maintain our roads in a safe and serviceable condition,” the spokesperson said.
“Roadkill incidents on the road shoulder or verge, which are not creating a safety hazard, may not be considered a priority for removal.”
Sunshine Coast Council highlighted a number of groups that help sick or injured wildlife and said it supported wildlife protection by installing road signage, a virtual fence and a rope bridge in high-risk areas.
