Voice in Parliament: reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions

In a significant step forward for wildlife protection, the Parliamentary Inquiry into Wildlife Roadstrike in Victoria received an overwhelming 467 submissions. This Inquiry is investigating the impacts of wildlife roadstrike, and strategies to prevent wildlife-vehicle collisions.  

Each submission that was made is a testament to the growing concern across our communities.  We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported Wildlife Victoria’s submission, the 165 Wildlife Victoria volunteers and supporters who made their own submissions, and all supporters who completed the Inquiry survey.  Your voices matter, and together, we are shaping the future of wildlife safety on our roads. 

 
All submissions can be explored here. Wildlife Victoria’s is submission number 193 - a substantial and detailed document that reflects our deep engagement in this space.  

In recent years we have been working directly with local councils through our Wildlife Roadtoll Action Program (WRAP) supporting them with data, training, and community engagement.  Wildlife Victoria has developed a Toolkit - a practical resource for councils seeking to implement mitigation strategies tailored to local conditions. 

With WRAP directly addressing the issue of wildlife-vehicle collisions, our participation in the Parliamentary Inquiry is a critical part of our advocacy work.  On Wednesday 20 August, Wildlife Victoria’s CEO Lisa Palma presented evidence at a regional hearing for the Inquiry in Geelong.   

This is a vital opportunity to ensure that the lived experience of wildlife rescuers and the data we’ve gathered are front and centre in shaping policy.

Lisa Palma, Wildlife Victoria CEO 

Since 2020, Wildlife Victoria has experienced a 186% increase in annual call volume.  In calendar year 2025 to date, calls for assistance for sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife from the public average 460 calls per day.  Wildlife-vehicle collision is one of the key reasons for calls for assistance for wildlife, and these types of cases have increased by 288% across the last 10 years.  Wildlife Victoria has helped 311 different species hit by vehicles, however kangaroos represent the majority with 50-60% of cases. 

Eastern-grey kangaroos displaced near a busy road. Photos by Doug Gimesy.

In addition to its devastating impact on native animals, wildlife-vehicle collisions take a toll on veterinarians, veterinary nurses, wildlife rescue volunteers, drivers directly involved in collisions, and community members who witness these traumatic incidents.  Moreover, the economic implications of wildlife-vehicle collisions are significant where Wildlife Victoria bears substantial costs relating to wildlife rescue operations across the state.  In 2025 to date, wildlife-vehicle collisions represent 25% of all wildlife rescue cases at Wildlife Victoria.     
 
These collisions are not only tragic for wildlife but also pose serious risks to human safety.  Collisions often result in significant vehicle damage and injury to persons inside the vehicles.  The problem is multifaceted: it spans across road design, driver behaviour, seasonal wildlife movement, as well as pressures that stem from urbanisation, habitat destruction and fragmentation.  Wildlife Victoria’s Wildlife Roadtoll Action Program (WRAP) is a vital initiative not only for protecting wildlife but also for mitigating the wide-ranging financial and societal burdens these collisions impose.   

The problem is multifaceted: it spans across road design, driver behaviour, seasonal wildlife movement, and pressures that stem from climate change, urbanisation, and habitat destruction and fragmentation.

Anna Tran, Wildlife Victoria’s WRAP Manager  

Wildlife Victoria is currently in conversation with a number of councils across Victoria, with discussions tailored to each local area's specific challenges allowing us to support councils in implementing effective mitigation strategies.  In some instances, these discussions have been sparked by the passion and concern of our supporters who have contacted Wildlife Victoria about wildlife-vehicle collisions near their home, leading to direct engagement with the local council to explore targeted, data-informed interventions such as wildlife signage and council staff training.  This highlights the power of community-driven advocacy.   

Your observations and reports are not just heard.  They lead to action. 
 
Meanwhile, Wildlife Victoria continues to urge drivers to remain vigilant on roads.  There are steps everyone can take to keep yourself and our native wildlife safe when driving.  Read our popular article on “Driving and wildlife”.  
 
The data is clear: wildlife-vehicle collisions are on the rise.  The distress this causes to wildlife and to the people who encounter these incidents is increasing.  We must act now. 
 
Wildlife Victoria’s participation in the Parliamentary Inquiry is not just symbolic.  It’s a strategic investment of time and resources that will help us influence policy, secure support, and ultimately reduce the road toll for wildlife.   
 
As we move forward, Wildlife Victoria is committed to expanding our capacity to deliver the Wildlife Roadtoll Action Program (WRAP) as a key initiative.   
 
With your continued support, we can drive meaningful change.  Thank you for standing with us. 

Feature photo by Doug Gimesy.