Environmental authorities are urging Ballarat residents to take care while driving around Lake Wendouree after near misses, with harsh penalties for those who injure or kill wildlife.
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From July 1, penalties for killing protected wildlife increase, with people now able to be fined up to $8,060 and imprisoned for up to 6 months.
The Department of Environment, Land Water & Planning program manager of compliance operations Jim O’Brien said reports of wildlife being injured while crossing Wendouree Parade “occur almost on a weekly basis”.
“Recently, we saw an impatient driver overtake to the left of a stationary vehicle, unaware that the holdup was due to a family of European Coots crossing Wendouree Parade and unfortunately it did not end well,” he said.
“It’s everyone’s responsibility to obey speed limits and to be aware that these birds are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975.”
City of Ballarat mayor Samantha McIntosh said in a statement there are additional concerns regarding the native wildlife.
“Visitors to the lake are asked not to feed water birds - it can make them sick, develop aggressive behaviour and reduces their ability to find natural food, which often lures them away from the water and into the line of danger,” she said.
“It’s not just the swans and water birds either – a huge concern is the rakali (native water rat), which are often seen wandering the roads during the early morning.”
To report an incident, call DELWP’s Customer Contact Centre on 136 186.
