Kangaroo death prompts action at Bells Beach

A LOCAL wildlife rescuer has been buoyed by Surfing Victoria’s dedication to harm minimisation, developing a relationship with the organisation to protect the region’s wildlife.

Last week, Jason Cichocki of Surf Coast Wildlife Rescue took to Facebook to express concern over the disruptions caused by the annual Rip Curl Pro, following the death of a kangaroo.

Temporary fencing has been installed around Bells Beach ahead of the Pro’s opening event on Tuesday, which Mr Cichocki said blocked natural animal paths, including to the paddocks where much of Torquay’s kangaroo population resides.

“An alpha male kangaroo was hit and killed because he tried to get across the road into the paddock, but he couldn’t get through the fence,” he said.

“He turned around, came back on the road and got hit, and the people that hit him were international travellers that had come down specifically to watch the Bells festival and they were really upset.

“They weren’t aware that there were kangaroos hopping out this close to Torquay.”

Mr Cichocki said representatives from Surfing Victoria responded quickly to his concerns, meeting with him last week to implement changes.

“I’ve been a wildlife advocate for a long time around here and I’ve quite regularly had meetings that lead to nowhere, but this particular meeting was really good.

“It’s been one of the biggest wins for the wildlife in the region for a long time, all brought about by the willingness of Surfing Victoria to work with us.”

He said several of his recommendations had been implemented by Surfing Victoria immediately, including measures to support raising awareness that the region is a “wildlife hotspot”.

About every third panel of the temporary fencing installed for the event has also been removed, allowing wildlife to again travel freely.

“[Surfing Victoria] have stepped forward and been proactive and put some of the measures that we discussed into play already,” Mr Cichocki said.

“There are some things that need to go through certain avenues…which they said they are going to make happen, but that will obviously be for next year’s [event].

“It was really good to have a meeting with Surfing Victoria and find out that they really do genuinely care about the animals and they’re willing to do everything and anything we ask, within reason, to help and prevent the loss of life while they’re having surfing competitions.”

“Now that we’re working together on this project, I can see that it’s really going to make changes that are going to save a lot of lives.”

Surfing Victoria had not responded to questions from this newspaper by deadline.

If you are in a collision with wildlife, or spot an animal in need of assistance, phone Surf Coast Wildlife Rescue on 0422 048 557 or Wildlife Victoria on 8400 7300.