Virtual fencing: SAVES LIVES, TRAUMA, CAR INSURANCE CLAIMS

The Australian Wildlife Protection Council applauds the success stories emerging from some areas in Victoria, Tasmania, and on the South Coast of NSW involving virtual fencing placed to stem wildlife kills on our roads.

Virtual fencing is a relatively inexpensive technology designed to alert animals to oncoming traffic. It involves the installation of small roadside devices on posts spaced approximately 25 metres apart. The devices emit high-frequency sounds and flashing lights when they detect the headlights of approaching vehicles at night or in low-light conditions.

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These signals are designed to deter animals, particularly kangaroos, from crossing the road when a vehicle is approaching. The technology does not harm wildlife or require fencing that restricts animal movement across the landscape.

90% fewer kangaroo strikes at known road hotspot

Virtual fencing has proven effective in reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions. On the NSW South Coast, 1.1kms (46 posts) of virtual fencing were installed on 8 October 2022. Prior to that installation and during the peak holiday season, wildlife rescue volunteers and council staff were attending up to five wildlife strikes per week. After the virtual fencing was installed, only five kangaroos were struck in eight months. That is a 90% reduction in kangaroo fatalities along a known hotspot.

On Victoria’s Surf Coast, a virtual fencing trial has halved the number of vehicle collisions with macropods (kangaroo species) at a known hotspot.

Trial proposed for Canberra

Canberra’s wildlife advocates took note, and are proposing a virtual fencing trial at a known kangaroo fatality hotspot. In September, ACT Greens Deputy Leader, Jo Clay, tabled a community petition signed by 1350 people. It calls for a trial of virtual fencing along Erindale Drive to reduce collisions with wildlife, kangaroos and wombats. If effective, the trail on Erindale Drive between Farrer Ridge and Wanniassa Hills could be expanded to other known hot spots.

Accidentally hitting wildlife with a car is incredibly distressing – for the animal, the driver, people who witness it…

“It is not easy for anyone to see an animal in pain and, in most cases, die,” Ms Clay said.

Canberra has prided itself as the bush capital, surrounded by nature. However there has long existed a conflicting picture of the capital and its relationship with nature. The positive virtual fencing initiative pushes back at the brutal killing of kangaroo families on city nature reserves, an ACT government policy for the past decade. Moving to virtual fencing also highlights likely reasons, involving motorist complaints, driving that lethal government policy.

Lead petitioner Aisha Bottrill (image at start of story) of Save Canberra’s Kangaroos has attended many incidents on Erindale Drive. She says she learned from wildlife carers, the ones on the frontline caring for animals hit by vehicles. They have reported seeing a decrease in call outs in places where there is virtual fencing. “That’s why wildlife carers have been calling for virtual fencing to be rolled out in more areas. They know it works and can see firsthand the impact it has on reducing collisions.”

Insurance firms in pivotal place

Save Canberra’s Kangaroos (SCK) is seeking sponsorship from insurance companies to fund the trial. Success would confirm the potential for savings on personal injury payouts, and reduce the number and cost of motor vehicle claims. SCK points out that in the longer term this should also reduce motor vehicle premiums and provide a greater return to shareholders, while protecting our precious wildlife from car strikes. AWPC has supported the outreach to insurance companies as partners.

Winter, spring months increase collision potential

AAMI and NRMA insurance claims data show that on average collisions with wildlife are more common during the winter months and into spring (Sept/October). Animals are on the move for food or involve males leaving the home range in spring. Short winter days involve more driving time in lower light conditions plus poorer weather conditions increase the chances of hitting an animal, particularly early morning and during dusk (commuting hours). Claims data from July 2024 – June 2025 showed AAMI processed over 23,840 wildlife-related claims, with regional roads being particularly dangerous. Canberra had the most animal collisions in an Australian city, according to 2020 AAMI claims data.

An ACT Parks and Conservation chart pertaining to Eastern Grey Kangaroos collisions, supports insurance company data that winter and spring are the worst months.

Look at your area

Consider advocating for virtual fencing in your council area. We’ll endeavour to keep you posted on this initiative or follow SCK Facebook and Instagram.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-09-23/eurobodalla-virtual-fence-trial-reducing-roadkill-incidents/102880624

https://www.esc.nsw.gov.au/environment/native-and-threatened-species/virtual-fencing

https://ger.org.au/first-trial-of-virtual-fencing-to-reduce-wildlife-roadkill-on-nsw-south-coast-deemed-a-major-success/

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