Virtual fencing project to save our wildlife

On September 18 Council Open Space staff erected the first stage of the virtual wildlife fencing along a 1.4km section of Onkaparinga Valley Road, between Riverview Road and Mappinga Road, Oakbank/Woodside area.

This 80km per hour stretch of road is a notoriously dangerous section of road for wildlife and domestic animals trying to cross the road. The installation of the virtual fencing devices aim to reduce the number of vehicle strikes that at night.

The headlights of oncoming vehicles trigger a short high pitch sound and flashing light, designed to startle approaching animals and hopefully stop them traversing the road until the vehicle has passed.

Stage 2 will be installed shortly along a dangerous section of Greenhill Road. The project trials will be monitored by Council to determine if there is an overall annual reduction of animal/vehicle collisions.

In partnership with animal rescue organisation 1300Koalaz, it is hoped that the technology will assist in making our roads safer for both wildlife, domestic animals and vehicle users safer.