Re:  McCarrs Creek Road – Road Kill

As a resident on McCarrs Creek Road, I am extremely concerned about the amount of road kill which takes place.  Back in 2003 I wrote to both the RTA and the National Parks regarding this issue without much of an outcome.  Due to the ongoing and increasing fatalities I cannot remain silent on this issue any longer.

There have been many occurrences of road kill in this area and the problem seems to be worsening.  This road is not only used by local residents, but trades people and other workers and visitors from outer areas who may not be aware of the risk.

The only signs that occur on this road are a general ‘wildlife’ sign at either end of the 8km stretch which the RTA placed there in response to my repeated contact with them in 2003.  One of the reasons, I believe, that there are high fatalities on the road is due to there being 48 bends on a 5km stretch.

The scary thing is that even though I don’t travel this road every day, I can generally guarantee to see at least one dead animal each week and these days many of them are Swamp Wallabies.  I have recently joined the Road kill Committee who were responsible for the fencing of Wakehurst Parkway. This committee is headed up by Jacqui Marlow and Connie Harris and the meetings include representatives from the  RTA, Council members, Wires, local residents as well as Rob Stokes.

On a recent trip to Tasmania, I saw a very graphic sign which shows a car bumper against a kangaroo which has clear meaning and alerting drivers to the possible danger.  Tasmania also places restrictions on speed limits in certain areas for this reason.  McCarrs Creek Rd, is used heavily by cyclists’ everyday, so it would not be a bad idea to limit the speed on this road anyway.  I know of two cyclists which have been run over in the last few months and were badly injured on this road.

I am asking for some action to be taken, the first step would be to obtain the signage stated above for this road and visitors to the area would not be aware of the dangers.  I have spoken to the RTA representative at the recent meeting and he said the cost of these signs is $1,000, plus installation.  I don’t think this is a huge cost to ensure we keep our unique surroundings on the Northern Beaches for generations to come.

McCarrs Creek Road is often used as a race track, especially on weekends and I believe that a reduction in speed on this road would also benefit this cause.

I would appreciate any assistance you are able to offer at this time.

Yours sincerely,

Merryn Truskett