The Macedon Ranges is iconic for its natural beauty, but for the wombats, kangaroos, and koalas that live here, our roads have become a significant hazard. With the launch of the Macedon Ranges Shire Council Advocacy Projects Prospectus (April 2026), the Council is making a firm case to the State Government: protecting our wildlife is no longer just a “green” goal—it is a critical road safety priority.
Here is a breakdown of how this new roadmap aims to support our local ecosystems and the tireless volunteers of the Macedon Ranges Wildlife Network (MRWN).
1. Tackling the Wildlife Roadstrike Crisis
It is a sobering statistic: the Macedon Ranges records the highest rate of wildlife roadstrike in Victoria by a significant margin. These collisions are traumatic for motorists, dangerous for responders, and devastating for the animals involved.
The 2026 Prospectus advocates for a $500,000 project focused on “Protecting Our Wildlife”. Key components include:
- Data Integration: Purchasing and centralizing fragmented data from agencies like Wildlife Victoria to identify exact “hotspots”.
- Dynamic Solutions: Moving away from static signs (which are often ignored) toward tailored mitigation pilots.
- High-Tech Intervention: Testing portable solar-powered Variable Message Boards (VMS), wildlife recognition cameras, and improved road crossings.
“Reducing wildlife roadstrike is not only a conservation priority — it is a critical road safety issue,” says Meaghan Willis, MRWN Wildlife Rescuer.
2. Mapping the Future: AI and Biodiversity
We cannot protect what we haven’t measured. The Prospectus also outlines a project to Enhance Our Biodiversity through advanced technology. For a relatively small investment of $55,000, the Council plans to use high-resolution aerial imagery and AI analysis to create a complete map of the shire’s vegetation.
How this helps wildlife:
- Biolink Planning: Accurate mapping allows the Council to identify where habitat is fragmented and where “biolinks” (wildlife corridors) need to be restored.
- Illegal Clearing: AI can detect unauthorized changes in tree canopy, helping the Council respond to habitat loss in real-time.
- Monitoring Success: By comparing imagery dating back to 2010, experts can see if conservation efforts are actually working.
3. Road Upgrades with a “Nature-First” Lens
The Prospectus identifies a $78.6 million funding gap for infrastructure renewal. While much of the focus is on “Building Back Better” after storms, the Council is advocating for road designs that incorporate better drainage and stormwater management. These improvements reduce the risk of flooding, which protects both property and the roadside habitats that many small native species rely on.
What’s Next for the Wildlife Network?
The Macedon Ranges Wildlife Network has been instrumental in this process, providing the frontline expertise that shaped these advocacy items. This Prospectus gives the MRWN a powerful political tool to hold the State Government accountable for recommendations made in the 2025 Parliamentary Inquiry into Wildlife Roadstrike.
Once funding is secured, the wildlife protection project is expected to roll out over a two-to-three-year period, involving deep consultation with local stakeholders and experts.
Get Involved
Advocacy is about community voice. You can support these wildlife-saving initiatives by:
- Reading the Prospectus: View the full 2026 digital document on the Council’s Advocacy Page.
- Watching the Launch: Hear Mayor Kate Kendall and CEO Bernie O’Sullivan discuss these priorities.
- Reporting Roadstrike: Continue to help the MRWN and Council gather the data needed to make our roads safer for everyone.
Is there a specific township or project in the Prospectus you’d like to know more about?
