Wildlife Victoria welcomes progress signalled in the Victorian Wildlife Roadstrike Report

Wildlife Victoria is pleased to see that the newly released Wildlife roadstrike in Victoria Inquiry Report reflects many of the priorities we have consistently raised regarding the protection of native wildlife and the safety of Victorian motorists. The report clearly demonstrates that wildlife roadstrike is a serious issue, and we welcome the strong direction it provides for government action.

We are particularly encouraged by the report’s emphasis on embedding wildlife considerations into planning and infrastructure decision making. These proposed reforms recognise that unchecked urban expansion is a major driver of wildlife trauma and that new developments must incorporate measures that allow wildlife to move safely through the landscape. The focus on creating wildlife corridors, ensuring animals are not isolated by major roads and strengthening environmental assessments represents a significant step forward. If implemented, these changes would transform outcomes for wildlife across the state.

We are also pleased to see a strong commitment to cross agency coordination. The recommendation to establish a formal code of practice for organisations responding to wildlife road incidents aligns closely with our long standing call for clearer structures and improved collaboration between councils, police, emergency services, carers and rescue organisations. Wildlife Victoria’s Emergency Response Service facilitates this cooperation daily and we welcome any measures that strengthen it.

It is encouraging that the report acknowledges fragmentation across the wildlife sector and promotes consultation with the sector in the development of new frameworks. Wildlife Victoria has consistently advocated for meaningful engagement with frontline responders and we support the report’s intention to involve the sector in future planning. Wildlife Victoria is ready to support uplift across the sector through our statewide infrastructure and organisational capability.

It is clear that action is needed and from our perspective the report provides multiple opportunities for the Victorian Government to deliver meaningful improvements. Wildlife Victoria continues to call for increased investment in infrastructure and planning measures that improve outcomes for wildlife and enhance safety for all road users.

We look forward to the Government’s response and, as always, remain committed to working collaboratively to support the implementation of reforms that protect native wildlife and the people who care for them.