Slashing urgent

By Jonathon Howard

OVERGROWN GRASS along Kyogle Road is resulting in more animal strikes and putting motorists at risk, according to one local commuter.

Lillian Rock resident Anneliese Simke drives Kyogle Road on a regular basis and raised the matter with The Weekly.

“I need to travel the route twice a day, five days a week, but sometimes more,” she said.

“The road is already dangerous to drive as there is considerable damage to the road surface.

“There are many areas where you are driving blind corners as there is no curb and the long grass grows right to the roadside.

“The road signs are covered by grass and driveways are concealed.”

Ms Simke stressed the risk to wildlife “as well as the risk of injury should your car strike an animal”.

“In the last two weeks, six wallabies, two bandicoots and various birds and reptiles have been killed on the road that I have seen,” she said.

In response, a Tweed Shire Council spokesperson said they were on the case and are responding to Kyogle Road with slashing.

“Contract slashers have been focussing on Kyogle Road, between Uki and Murwillumbah, for the past couple of weeks, with noticeable improvement, especially around flood-damaged areas and signage,” Council’s spokesperson said.

“One slope mower is currently in the Doon Doon area, while a slasher is at Kunghur, both heading westwards.

“Council receives an annual report from Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers on wildlife injuries and mortality each year, including cause and location.

“This data provides the best information on wildlife injury hot spots.”

YOUR THOUGHTS: Do you know a road that could do with some slashing or has major potholes? Remember to report it via Tweed Shire Council’s website. And The Weekly would also like to hear from you. Please email: editor@ theweekly.net.au