Bid to stop animals being killed on roads as fatalities rise
The council asked at last week's meeting for the city to investigate the effectiveness of virtual fencing and prepare a project proposal for its installation along high-risk roads.
Virtual fencing is a wildlife deterrent system that uses sensors to warn animals of approaching vehicles by emitting flashing lights and sounds to stop them from crossing roads.
Posts, usually solar-powered, are spaced at regular intervals and work together to create a continuous virtual barrier along the edges of roads.
Based on known wildlife movement and development pressures, 11 priority roads have been requested for consideration in a potential virtual fencing trial.
These are Breakwater Drive, Flynn Drive, Badgerup Road, Hawkins Road, Townsend Road, Old Yanchep Road, Pipidinny Road, Neaves Road, Marmion Road, Wanneroo Road, and Woodvale Drive. Wanneroo Councillor Jacqui Huntley, who has successfully passed a motion for the City to investigate rolling out virtual fencing. Credit: Andrew Ritchie / The West Australian
Cr Jacqueline Huntley, who is also a licensed independent wildlife carer, brought the proposal to the council.
She believes something needs to be done to address the rising number of wildlife road fatalities and accidents caused by them, primarily involving kangaroos in the Wanneroo area, and said virtual fencing was a promising solution compared to conventional fencing.
'Virtual fencing presents a modern and non-invasive solution that, in trials, has actually worked,' Cr Huntley said.
'Traditional wire or post fencing, while intended to prevent animal crossings, has severe flaws, particularly in bushfire conditions. These fences can trap wildlife, blocking escape routes and often leading to horrific outcomes.
'Virtual fencing, by contrast, preserves the integrity of the environment while offering safety to both drivers and the animals that call this region home.'
It is estimated that more than 7000 insurance claims in Australia are made each year due to collisions with kangaroos.
According to Budget Direct, animal collisions account for five per cent of all road accidents in Australia, with kangaroos involved in 90 per cent of these incidents. Kangaroos on Yellagonga Regional Park Andrew Ritchie Credit: Andrew Ritchie / The West Australian
The City of Joondalup is also investigating the use of virtual fencing.
Last November it unanimously backed a motion for a report into the installation of virtual fencing or a land bridge around Pinnaroo Memorial Park and some Woodvale areas to protect kangaroos.
In 2023, Eurobodalla Shire near Canberra trialled a virtual fence along a stretch of road, with posts placed every 25 metres.
The shire reported wildlife collisions dropped from five per week to just five in the entire first year.
With development rapidly expanding across the city, Cr Huntley says the council has a duty to explore innovative measures that protect native wildlife as natural habitats are lost.
'Given the scale of the upcoming development throughout Wanneroo and the known hotspots where wildlife road fatalities are frequently recorded, this council has an obligation to explore smarter solutions,' she said.
'This is a meaningful step towards our shared goals of biodiversity preservation, public safety and responsible planning.'
Cr Huntley's motion was seconded by Cr Paul Miles and passed 10–3, with mayor Linda Aitken among those voting against. Wanneroo Cr Paul Miles and Cr Jacqui Huntley who have successfully passed a motion for the City to investigate rolling out virtual fencing, with Keith Fox (centre) from Rocky Ridge Wildlife Sanctuary, who is also advocating for the devices. Credit: Andrew Ritchie / The West Australian
Cr Miles believes the technology behind the virtual fencing is promising.
'I can't wait to see administration trialling them in the locations listed in the report and hearing back from them over the coming months, if not years, to see how they are going,' he said.
Preliminary estimates by the city put the cost of installing virtual fencing at around $10,000 per kilometre.
City staff are now preparing a project proposal outlining the scope, required resources, budget estimates, and timelines for consideration in the development of the 2026-27 budget.
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Perth Now
a day ago
- Perth Now
Bid to stop animals being killed on roads as fatalities rise
Virtual fencing could be introduced across Perth's northern suburbs as a potential solution to reduce wildlife road fatalities, with the City of Wanneroo set to assess the technology's potential use in areas prone to wildlife collisions. The council asked at last week's meeting for the city to investigate the effectiveness of virtual fencing and prepare a project proposal for its installation along high-risk roads. Virtual fencing is a wildlife deterrent system that uses sensors to warn animals of approaching vehicles by emitting flashing lights and sounds to stop them from crossing roads. Posts, usually solar-powered, are spaced at regular intervals and work together to create a continuous virtual barrier along the edges of roads. Based on known wildlife movement and development pressures, 11 priority roads have been requested for consideration in a potential virtual fencing trial. These are Breakwater Drive, Flynn Drive, Badgerup Road, Hawkins Road, Townsend Road, Old Yanchep Road, Pipidinny Road, Neaves Road, Marmion Road, Wanneroo Road, and Woodvale Drive. Wanneroo Councillor Jacqui Huntley, who has successfully passed a motion for the City to investigate rolling out virtual fencing. Credit: Andrew Ritchie / The West Australian Cr Jacqueline Huntley, who is also a licensed independent wildlife carer, brought the proposal to the council. She believes something needs to be done to address the rising number of wildlife road fatalities and accidents caused by them, primarily involving kangaroos in the Wanneroo area, and said virtual fencing was a promising solution compared to conventional fencing. 'Virtual fencing presents a modern and non-invasive solution that, in trials, has actually worked,' Cr Huntley said. 'Traditional wire or post fencing, while intended to prevent animal crossings, has severe flaws, particularly in bushfire conditions. These fences can trap wildlife, blocking escape routes and often leading to horrific outcomes. 'Virtual fencing, by contrast, preserves the integrity of the environment while offering safety to both drivers and the animals that call this region home.' It is estimated that more than 7000 insurance claims in Australia are made each year due to collisions with kangaroos. According to Budget Direct, animal collisions account for five per cent of all road accidents in Australia, with kangaroos involved in 90 per cent of these incidents. Kangaroos on Yellagonga Regional Park Andrew Ritchie Credit: Andrew Ritchie / The West Australian The City of Joondalup is also investigating the use of virtual fencing. Last November it unanimously backed a motion for a report into the installation of virtual fencing or a land bridge around Pinnaroo Memorial Park and some Woodvale areas to protect kangaroos. In 2023, Eurobodalla Shire near Canberra trialled a virtual fence along a stretch of road, with posts placed every 25 metres. The shire reported wildlife collisions dropped from five per week to just five in the entire first year. With development rapidly expanding across the city, Cr Huntley says the council has a duty to explore innovative measures that protect native wildlife as natural habitats are lost. 'Given the scale of the upcoming development throughout Wanneroo and the known hotspots where wildlife road fatalities are frequently recorded, this council has an obligation to explore smarter solutions,' she said. 'This is a meaningful step towards our shared goals of biodiversity preservation, public safety and responsible planning.' Cr Huntley's motion was seconded by Cr Paul Miles and passed 10–3, with mayor Linda Aitken among those voting against. Wanneroo Cr Paul Miles and Cr Jacqui Huntley who have successfully passed a motion for the City to investigate rolling out virtual fencing, with Keith Fox (centre) from Rocky Ridge Wildlife Sanctuary, who is also advocating for the devices. Credit: Andrew Ritchie / The West Australian Cr Miles believes the technology behind the virtual fencing is promising. 'I can't wait to see administration trialling them in the locations listed in the report and hearing back from them over the coming months, if not years, to see how they are going,' he said. Preliminary estimates by the city put the cost of installing virtual fencing at around $10,000 per kilometre. City staff are now preparing a project proposal outlining the scope, required resources, budget estimates, and timelines for consideration in the development of the 2026-27 budget.
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- The Advertiser
The Sudsy Challenge: try wearing the same outfit for three days in September
It's been just over 10 years since we threw a couple of washing machines in the back of an old van and hoped it might do some good. We were just two 20-year-old mates with a beat-up van, donated washing machines we barely knew how to use, and a dream that clean clothes could help someone experiencing homelessness in our hometown of Brisbane. Our first van, "Sudsy", didn't work straight away. It took three sets of machines, three days and a lot of problem solving before we completed our first wash. But from day one, our first "friend" Jourdan was there, ready to give us a chance. Even after false starts, he showed up each morning, trusting us with his only possessions. On the third morning, we nervously loaded Jourdan's clothes again, hoping that the fixes to Sudsy we did the night before worked. When the wash finally worked, something clicked and we knew we were onto something. We realised washing takes time and that meant time to just sit, chat and connect. That first conversation with Jourdan changed our lives and the trajectory of Orange Sky forever. He was only eight years older than us, with a similar background, yet Jourdan couldn't have been in a more different situation than us. He was sleeping rough, disconnected from his family and washing his clothes with us. Meeting Jourdan and having him trust us with his only belongings, is a moment that will stick with us forever. Since then, we've shared orange chairs with thousands of people doing it tough, experiencing homelessness, couch surfing or struggling behind closed doors. We've heard their stories, delivered more than 5.7 million kilograms of washing and 60,000 safe, warm showers. Orange Sky now operates in 56 locations across Australia and New Zealand, powered by more than 4000 incredible volunteers. We've come a long way since that first load of washing in 2014. More and more, we're hearing from people who never thought they'd need support but rising living costs and housing pressures have left them with no other choice. Homelessness rarely looks like someone sleeping rough. In fact, most people experiencing homelessness in Australia are hidden - living in cars, crisis accommodation, overcrowded housing or staying temporarily with others. It's a complex issue with no easy solution, but that doesn't mean we can't all help. That's the idea behind The Sudsy Challenge - a way for everyday Australians to get involved and support their community. Now in its sixth year, The Sudsy Challenge invites participants to wear the same outfit for three days to spark conversations about homelessness and raise funds to support Orange Sky's services. It's a light-hearted challenge with a serious purpose: reminding people that for many Aussies, the things most of us take for granted, like access to clean clothes, are out of reach for a lot of people. The Sudsy Challenge is bright, fun and inclusive. From school kids to CEOs, footy teams to volunteers, thousands of Australians get involved in small but meaningful ways. You can pick any three days in September, wear your chosen outfit (or our Sudsy t-shirt) and help start a conversation. Click here to register for the 2025 Sudsy Challenge. Reflecting on the past decade, one of our proudest moments in our journey was being named 2016 Young Australians of the Year. At the time, we had no idea what was coming, not just the award, but the platform it would give us to raise awareness and grow Orange Sky. That moment changed everything. It helped us connect with partners, build our team and most importantly reach more people in need. More than anything, it showed us how powerful it is to highlight everyday Aussies doing amazing things. Right now, across the country, people are making a difference - volunteers, advocates, carers, community leaders and innovators. Most don't seek recognition, but they deserve it. READ THEIR STORIES If you know someone making an impact, nominate them for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards. Nominations are open until 31 July and only takes a few minutes. Whether they're mentoring young people, helping neighbours in crisis or finding new ways to tackle tough challenges, their story could inspire others to take action too. Looking back on the past decade, we feel incredibly lucky to still be doing this work. We're still turning on washing machines, still sitting on those orange chairs, and still learning from the amazing people we meet. But we know the need is growing. More people than ever are reaching out for support, and we're determined to grow Orange Sky to meet that need. Innovation is hard. Progress takes time, effort and funding. But if we've learned anything, it's that simple ideas, when backed by community, can have a huge impact. Help find the 2026 Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia's Local Hero by nominating someone you admire. The only way someone can be considered for the annual awards, which were first presented in 1960, is if a member of the public nominates them. Nominate online at or scan the QR code on this page. Nominations close at midnight on July 31. It's been just over 10 years since we threw a couple of washing machines in the back of an old van and hoped it might do some good. We were just two 20-year-old mates with a beat-up van, donated washing machines we barely knew how to use, and a dream that clean clothes could help someone experiencing homelessness in our hometown of Brisbane. Our first van, "Sudsy", didn't work straight away. It took three sets of machines, three days and a lot of problem solving before we completed our first wash. But from day one, our first "friend" Jourdan was there, ready to give us a chance. Even after false starts, he showed up each morning, trusting us with his only possessions. On the third morning, we nervously loaded Jourdan's clothes again, hoping that the fixes to Sudsy we did the night before worked. When the wash finally worked, something clicked and we knew we were onto something. We realised washing takes time and that meant time to just sit, chat and connect. That first conversation with Jourdan changed our lives and the trajectory of Orange Sky forever. He was only eight years older than us, with a similar background, yet Jourdan couldn't have been in a more different situation than us. He was sleeping rough, disconnected from his family and washing his clothes with us. Meeting Jourdan and having him trust us with his only belongings, is a moment that will stick with us forever. Since then, we've shared orange chairs with thousands of people doing it tough, experiencing homelessness, couch surfing or struggling behind closed doors. We've heard their stories, delivered more than 5.7 million kilograms of washing and 60,000 safe, warm showers. Orange Sky now operates in 56 locations across Australia and New Zealand, powered by more than 4000 incredible volunteers. We've come a long way since that first load of washing in 2014. More and more, we're hearing from people who never thought they'd need support but rising living costs and housing pressures have left them with no other choice. Homelessness rarely looks like someone sleeping rough. In fact, most people experiencing homelessness in Australia are hidden - living in cars, crisis accommodation, overcrowded housing or staying temporarily with others. It's a complex issue with no easy solution, but that doesn't mean we can't all help. That's the idea behind The Sudsy Challenge - a way for everyday Australians to get involved and support their community. Now in its sixth year, The Sudsy Challenge invites participants to wear the same outfit for three days to spark conversations about homelessness and raise funds to support Orange Sky's services. It's a light-hearted challenge with a serious purpose: reminding people that for many Aussies, the things most of us take for granted, like access to clean clothes, are out of reach for a lot of people. The Sudsy Challenge is bright, fun and inclusive. From school kids to CEOs, footy teams to volunteers, thousands of Australians get involved in small but meaningful ways. You can pick any three days in September, wear your chosen outfit (or our Sudsy t-shirt) and help start a conversation. Click here to register for the 2025 Sudsy Challenge. Reflecting on the past decade, one of our proudest moments in our journey was being named 2016 Young Australians of the Year. At the time, we had no idea what was coming, not just the award, but the platform it would give us to raise awareness and grow Orange Sky. That moment changed everything. It helped us connect with partners, build our team and most importantly reach more people in need. More than anything, it showed us how powerful it is to highlight everyday Aussies doing amazing things. Right now, across the country, people are making a difference - volunteers, advocates, carers, community leaders and innovators. Most don't seek recognition, but they deserve it. READ THEIR STORIES If you know someone making an impact, nominate them for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards. Nominations are open until 31 July and only takes a few minutes. Whether they're mentoring young people, helping neighbours in crisis or finding new ways to tackle tough challenges, their story could inspire others to take action too. Looking back on the past decade, we feel incredibly lucky to still be doing this work. We're still turning on washing machines, still sitting on those orange chairs, and still learning from the amazing people we meet. But we know the need is growing. More people than ever are reaching out for support, and we're determined to grow Orange Sky to meet that need. Innovation is hard. Progress takes time, effort and funding. But if we've learned anything, it's that simple ideas, when backed by community, can have a huge impact. Help find the 2026 Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia's Local Hero by nominating someone you admire. The only way someone can be considered for the annual awards, which were first presented in 1960, is if a member of the public nominates them. Nominate online at or scan the QR code on this page. Nominations close at midnight on July 31. It's been just over 10 years since we threw a couple of washing machines in the back of an old van and hoped it might do some good. We were just two 20-year-old mates with a beat-up van, donated washing machines we barely knew how to use, and a dream that clean clothes could help someone experiencing homelessness in our hometown of Brisbane. Our first van, "Sudsy", didn't work straight away. It took three sets of machines, three days and a lot of problem solving before we completed our first wash. But from day one, our first "friend" Jourdan was there, ready to give us a chance. Even after false starts, he showed up each morning, trusting us with his only possessions. On the third morning, we nervously loaded Jourdan's clothes again, hoping that the fixes to Sudsy we did the night before worked. When the wash finally worked, something clicked and we knew we were onto something. We realised washing takes time and that meant time to just sit, chat and connect. That first conversation with Jourdan changed our lives and the trajectory of Orange Sky forever. He was only eight years older than us, with a similar background, yet Jourdan couldn't have been in a more different situation than us. He was sleeping rough, disconnected from his family and washing his clothes with us. Meeting Jourdan and having him trust us with his only belongings, is a moment that will stick with us forever. Since then, we've shared orange chairs with thousands of people doing it tough, experiencing homelessness, couch surfing or struggling behind closed doors. We've heard their stories, delivered more than 5.7 million kilograms of washing and 60,000 safe, warm showers. Orange Sky now operates in 56 locations across Australia and New Zealand, powered by more than 4000 incredible volunteers. We've come a long way since that first load of washing in 2014. More and more, we're hearing from people who never thought they'd need support but rising living costs and housing pressures have left them with no other choice. Homelessness rarely looks like someone sleeping rough. In fact, most people experiencing homelessness in Australia are hidden - living in cars, crisis accommodation, overcrowded housing or staying temporarily with others. It's a complex issue with no easy solution, but that doesn't mean we can't all help. That's the idea behind The Sudsy Challenge - a way for everyday Australians to get involved and support their community. Now in its sixth year, The Sudsy Challenge invites participants to wear the same outfit for three days to spark conversations about homelessness and raise funds to support Orange Sky's services. It's a light-hearted challenge with a serious purpose: reminding people that for many Aussies, the things most of us take for granted, like access to clean clothes, are out of reach for a lot of people. The Sudsy Challenge is bright, fun and inclusive. From school kids to CEOs, footy teams to volunteers, thousands of Australians get involved in small but meaningful ways. You can pick any three days in September, wear your chosen outfit (or our Sudsy t-shirt) and help start a conversation. Click here to register for the 2025 Sudsy Challenge. Reflecting on the past decade, one of our proudest moments in our journey was being named 2016 Young Australians of the Year. At the time, we had no idea what was coming, not just the award, but the platform it would give us to raise awareness and grow Orange Sky. That moment changed everything. It helped us connect with partners, build our team and most importantly reach more people in need. More than anything, it showed us how powerful it is to highlight everyday Aussies doing amazing things. Right now, across the country, people are making a difference - volunteers, advocates, carers, community leaders and innovators. Most don't seek recognition, but they deserve it. READ THEIR STORIES If you know someone making an impact, nominate them for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards. Nominations are open until 31 July and only takes a few minutes. Whether they're mentoring young people, helping neighbours in crisis or finding new ways to tackle tough challenges, their story could inspire others to take action too. Looking back on the past decade, we feel incredibly lucky to still be doing this work. We're still turning on washing machines, still sitting on those orange chairs, and still learning from the amazing people we meet. But we know the need is growing. More people than ever are reaching out for support, and we're determined to grow Orange Sky to meet that need. Innovation is hard. Progress takes time, effort and funding. But if we've learned anything, it's that simple ideas, when backed by community, can have a huge impact. Help find the 2026 Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia's Local Hero by nominating someone you admire. The only way someone can be considered for the annual awards, which were first presented in 1960, is if a member of the public nominates them. Nominate online at or scan the QR code on this page. Nominations close at midnight on July 31. It's been just over 10 years since we threw a couple of washing machines in the back of an old van and hoped it might do some good. We were just two 20-year-old mates with a beat-up van, donated washing machines we barely knew how to use, and a dream that clean clothes could help someone experiencing homelessness in our hometown of Brisbane. Our first van, "Sudsy", didn't work straight away. It took three sets of machines, three days and a lot of problem solving before we completed our first wash. But from day one, our first "friend" Jourdan was there, ready to give us a chance. Even after false starts, he showed up each morning, trusting us with his only possessions. On the third morning, we nervously loaded Jourdan's clothes again, hoping that the fixes to Sudsy we did the night before worked. When the wash finally worked, something clicked and we knew we were onto something. We realised washing takes time and that meant time to just sit, chat and connect. That first conversation with Jourdan changed our lives and the trajectory of Orange Sky forever. He was only eight years older than us, with a similar background, yet Jourdan couldn't have been in a more different situation than us. He was sleeping rough, disconnected from his family and washing his clothes with us. Meeting Jourdan and having him trust us with his only belongings, is a moment that will stick with us forever. Since then, we've shared orange chairs with thousands of people doing it tough, experiencing homelessness, couch surfing or struggling behind closed doors. We've heard their stories, delivered more than 5.7 million kilograms of washing and 60,000 safe, warm showers. Orange Sky now operates in 56 locations across Australia and New Zealand, powered by more than 4000 incredible volunteers. We've come a long way since that first load of washing in 2014. More and more, we're hearing from people who never thought they'd need support but rising living costs and housing pressures have left them with no other choice. Homelessness rarely looks like someone sleeping rough. In fact, most people experiencing homelessness in Australia are hidden - living in cars, crisis accommodation, overcrowded housing or staying temporarily with others. It's a complex issue with no easy solution, but that doesn't mean we can't all help. That's the idea behind The Sudsy Challenge - a way for everyday Australians to get involved and support their community. Now in its sixth year, The Sudsy Challenge invites participants to wear the same outfit for three days to spark conversations about homelessness and raise funds to support Orange Sky's services. It's a light-hearted challenge with a serious purpose: reminding people that for many Aussies, the things most of us take for granted, like access to clean clothes, are out of reach for a lot of people. The Sudsy Challenge is bright, fun and inclusive. From school kids to CEOs, footy teams to volunteers, thousands of Australians get involved in small but meaningful ways. You can pick any three days in September, wear your chosen outfit (or our Sudsy t-shirt) and help start a conversation. Click here to register for the 2025 Sudsy Challenge. Reflecting on the past decade, one of our proudest moments in our journey was being named 2016 Young Australians of the Year. At the time, we had no idea what was coming, not just the award, but the platform it would give us to raise awareness and grow Orange Sky. That moment changed everything. It helped us connect with partners, build our team and most importantly reach more people in need. More than anything, it showed us how powerful it is to highlight everyday Aussies doing amazing things. Right now, across the country, people are making a difference - volunteers, advocates, carers, community leaders and innovators. Most don't seek recognition, but they deserve it. READ THEIR STORIES If you know someone making an impact, nominate them for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards. Nominations are open until 31 July and only takes a few minutes. Whether they're mentoring young people, helping neighbours in crisis or finding new ways to tackle tough challenges, their story could inspire others to take action too. Looking back on the past decade, we feel incredibly lucky to still be doing this work. We're still turning on washing machines, still sitting on those orange chairs, and still learning from the amazing people we meet. But we know the need is growing. More people than ever are reaching out for support, and we're determined to grow Orange Sky to meet that need. Innovation is hard. Progress takes time, effort and funding. But if we've learned anything, it's that simple ideas, when backed by community, can have a huge impact. Help find the 2026 Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia's Local Hero by nominating someone you admire. The only way someone can be considered for the annual awards, which were first presented in 1960, is if a member of the public nominates them. Nominate online at or scan the QR code on this page. Nominations close at midnight on July 31.
West Australian
6 days ago
- West Australian
Apartment residents at risk as weak regulation of life-saving systems increases fire danger
The West Australian exclusive Apartment residents at risk as weak regulation of life-saving systems increases fire danger
