Desperate to reduce the wallaby carnage along the roads in White Rock, students from a local school have helped to produce eye-catching signage to warn motorists to "slow down" and watch out for the bouncing marsupials.
The project was initiated by Division 3 Councillor Cathy Zeiger following growing concerns about the number of agile wallabies being struck by vehicles in the White Rock area.
Students from White Rock State School jumped at the opportunity to play a part in designing signs to potential reduce the preventable deaths.
"The kids just loved learning more about the wallabies and expressed great concern in that they were getting hit on the road," Cr Zeiger said.
"They were so happy to do their bit as part of a caring community to tell everyone to keep a watch out and slow down as there are wallabies about.
"While the management of wallabies is the responsibility of the State Government, this project provided a great opportunity for Council and the local community to play a role in helping these native animals."
Council was able to secure permission from two local landholders – the Fun-E-Farm on Griffin Rd and City Wide Christian Church on Mission Rd – to erect the signs on their properties.
A third sign has been installed on Council land at Tiffany St.
All three roads have been identified as "hot spots" for wallaby deaths as a result of vehicle collisions.
"The size of the signs meant they could not be placed next to a road in 60km/h zone, but fortunately we had local landholders who were happy to have these big and bright signs on their properties.
"While the signs are not on the road, they are close enough, and big enough, that they will be easily seen."
White Rock State School principal Dan Hollis said students and families are excited about seeing their work on display.
"The wallaby sign project has been an exciting activity for our learners in Year 6 that has had a significant impact on creating awareness about an environmental concern in our local area," Mr Hollis said.
"The partnership with our local councillor and P&C president Cathy Zeiger has demonstrated how local councils can work with the community to protect and manage our environment.
"Students have researched issues that affect the wallabies and have worked together to construct an awareness campaign that has resulted in the design of the signs that have been installed in the White Rock community."
The new signs feature a large wallaby outline filled with over 50 small wallaby images featuring coloured designs by White Rock State School students.
Next to the bright wallaby image are the words "Wallabies Crossing – PLEASE SLOW DOWN".
