Way out for wallabies
Gate trial viewed as last resort
CAIRNS Regional Council workers are hoping for a win at the Trinity Beach Sports Precinct AFL grounds – but first they must play a waiting game.
The council has started trialling a one-way wallaby gate constructed by Marlin Coast Men’s Shed.
Infrastructure services general manager Bruce Gardiner said, once the wallabies had shown they knew how to use it, the trial would be a success.
“Once one animal discovers this access point, we expect others will follow,” he said.
“There are several locations where further gates may be installed, including at least two more gates along the fence that separates the AFL grounds from the pony club, as this would support the wallabies’ natural route toward the vegetated creek line.”
Mr Gardiner said the gates should be treated as a last resort to free wallabies that get into fenced off areas.
“The onus remains on users of the sporting fields to make sure gates are closed when the fields aren’t in use and that other potential access points for wallabies are rectified,” he said. The curved opening at the base of the gate is designed to
encourage wallabies to stick their head under while searching for a weakness in the fence.
Trinity Beach resident Byron Martin said the gates were a good solution to getting trapped wallabies out of the grounds, but wouldn’t fix the
long-term problem. “The problem is an overabundant wallaby population with no food, that’s why they’re coming here,” he said.
“Council have done a good job putting in these gates and everything else, but it’s a tem-
porary solution. Relocating the wallabies is the only long-term solution.’’
Agile Project co-ordinator Shai Ager said the group would consider using sweet potato to lure the wallabies to the gate in case they couldn’t find it.