Ever heard of a wildlife overpass?
Munibung Hill Conservation Society has proposed one as part of the Hillsborough Road upgrade to help wildlife survive.
The idea follows Transport for NSW releasing plans for the long awaited road upgrade.
The conservation society said it "fully supports" the upgrade, which will allow much improved access for Hillsborough and South Cardiff residents and make it "safer for the thousands of motorists who use this road every day".
"We are, however, concerned that the project planning proposal has a glaring omission that requires revisiting, careful consideration and urgent attention," said the conservation society's president Stuart Carter.
The project provides the chance to "reconnect two portions of bushland that are cut off from each other, separated by residential areas and Hillsborough Road".
"It's a very important link road. Native wildlife, especially invertebrates, mammals and reptiles have become landlocked and unable to freely move or migrate between important habitat areas," Mr Carter said.
"Just as connectivity is considered essential for human society, it is critical for native species."
If left isolated, these species can "die out due to concentrated predation by introduced species like foxes and cats".
They can also decline "due to the reduced genetic pool".
Hindsight had shown that well-intentioned planning processes of the past had compounded the problem.
If these factors were left unaddressed, human-induced wildlife issues will worsen.
Mr Carter said a wildlife overpass at Compton Road, a major arterial route cutting through a large area of bush in South East Queensland, was a good example of what could be achieved.
"Such modern eco-engineering projects demonstrate creative solutions and send a clear message to the community that we are committed to giving wildlife the best possible chance to survive and thrive within an urban setting," he said.
"We think there are at least five good reasons why the current plans need to be revised, and why a wildlife overpass or bridge across Hillsborough Road - near the Crockett Street intersection - would be welcomed by all sections of the community."
It would:
1. Provide connectivity in the form of a native animal corridor between a significant conservation area in South Cardiff and the bushland around Charlestown Golf Club.
2. Provide for safer pedestrian and walking track connectivity, and a possible extension of the Great North Walk.
3. Permit an Aboriginal art installation on the inner lining of the wildlife overpass.
4. Reduce roadkill and injuries to wildlife requiring intensive care in an animal hospital.
5. Reduce wildlife crossing attempts, which lead to roadkill trauma for motorists, damage to vehicles requiring expensive repairs and insurance claims.
He urged people to let Transport for NSW know that a wildlife overpass is important by emailing hillsboroughroad@transport.nsw.gov.au.
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