COMPLAINTS about carcasses of dead kangaroos and accumulating litter on the Pacific Highway between Frederickton to Eungai have been addressed by Roads and Maritime Services (RMS).
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The Macleay Argus probed RMS on the issue after noticing about five carcasses of dead kangaroos on parts of the new highway where fauna fencing had not yet been installed.
In some areas there was no evidence that fauna fencing would be installed, while in other sections, metal poles stood aloft with rolls of wire lying on the ground beside them awaiting installation.
As well as this, large amounts of litter was also found scattered around a rest stop on the new Frederickton to Eungai section and at the South Kempsey interchange - just across from the Kempsey Service Service.
Several residents contacted the Argus as well as Kempsey Shire Council with their concerns.
On Monday morning there was no longer any sign of kangaroo carcasses or rubbish on the new highway.
In response to the complaints and questions by the Macleay Argus, an RMS spokesperson said that “around 28 kilometres of fauna fencing has been installed on the recently opened Frederickton to Eungai Pacific Highway upgrade” and a further “four kilometres of fencing will be installed by the end of June following approval by the Environmental Protection Agency.”
“Variable message signs have been installed to warn road users animals may be near the road,” the spokesperson said.
“The location of fauna fencing requires careful consideration. Fences work best when used in conjunction with nearby culverts or bridges allowing animals to safely cross the road to feed or breed. Poorly located fencing can create a barrier to wildlife movement preventing essential movement of wildlife for breeding and dispersal.
“The area will continue to be monitored to identify if further fencing is required.”
In relation to the rubbish, the spokesperson said maintenance crews carry out “regular inspections” across the road network “to remove rubbish where identified and deter people from illegal dumping.”
The spokesperson said RMS will carry out an inspection of the South Kempsey interchange and near the Eungai/Stuarts Point intersection and will “improve the cleanliness of the area if required.”
Fines apply in NSW for littering from vehicles and penalties can be issued based on reports from the public and range from $250 for an individual, $500 for a corporation, to $900 for aggravated littering such as lit cigarette butts during extreme conditions.
The ‘Report to EPA’ app can be downloaded onto smartphones so anyone can report littering from a vehicle from anywhere at any time.
Roads and Maritime encourages motorists to report roadside rubbish and illegal dumping on major roads and highways by contacting EPA