Call to reduce speed limit on Greenbank Road following roadkill spike

Greenbank resident Brenden Ward lives close to a wildlife reserve on Lyndale Road and is sick of “idiot drivers” putting animals at risk.

“We get a tremendous stream of cars coming up and down and because there is a dip you will see a local idiot take the opportunity to do burnouts up and down this road at a million miles an hour,” he said.

“We lost six kangaroos in six weeks. People don’t seem to learn.

“I would like to appeal to their hip pockets. We can say all the bleeding-heart stuff but hitting a kangaroo will cost you money. Cars are written off after hitting a reasonable sized roo at any speed.”

Mr Ward said it was time for council to consider lowering the speed limit from 80 km/h to 50 km/h and improving signage to protect innocent wildlife.

“Council already has a sign at the top of the hill in both directions but it seems to be useless because people ignore it,” he said.

“I would like to see a reduction in the speed limit to 50 km/h for 300 metres. It is such a well known crossing point for roos – there were seven (kangaroos) in my paddock earlier this week.”

“It would be a gold mine for police. Someone suggested speed bumps but that would just tick people off.

Logan and Albert Conservation Society member and wildlife carer Kathy Faldt said there were a range of factors people needed to be aware of if they witness injured wildlife.

“Autumn is always an important time for motorists to be on the lookout for wildlife as it gets darker earlier and the kangaroos and wildlife will be on the road earlier,” she said.

“If a mother kangaroo is hit it may not be able to be rescued but the joeys can so it is always good to check for young in the pouch.

“If you hit a kangaroo and it leaps off, report it and keep a look out for it. Unfortunately kangaroos with broken limbs are generally euthanized. It would be a long and painful death with a broken leg.” 

A Logan City Council wildlife-vehicle collision hot spot map reveals 10 roads most prone to wildlife and vehicle encounters.

It is used as a tool for council to prioritise future investment in targeted areas to reduce collisions.

The map identified Park Ridge Road as the most risky. A proposal has been made for mitigation measures to be implemented this financial year.

Andrew Road, Greenbank, is identified as a top 10 hotspot but Lyndale Road is not.

A Logan City Council spokesperson said anyone calling for lower speed limits could make a submission to council to review it.

Injured or sick wildlife can be reported to the RSPCA on 1300 264 625.