David Gardiner

Journalist

Signs put up on Port Douglas Road to warn motorists about magpie geese in the area have been taken down, but will be reinstalled in a few months’ time.

A local campaign and several articles by Newsport resulted in the signs being placed by the Transport and Main Roads Dept (TMR) in March.

The community had expressed widespread sadness and outrage on social media after several of the geese were killed near the Barrier Street roundabout.

Local residents recently noticed that the ‘Care For Our Wildlife’ signs were no longer there, and some were worried they had been stolen.

But the TMR has reassured Newsport that it removed the signs on purpose – and they will be back.

“The signs were never intended to be permanent fixtures, but rather a temporary measure to raise awareness during the magpie geese breeding season,” a TMR spokesperson told us.

“They were removed after the magpie geese breeding season ended in June, as per our guidelines for wildlife signage,” the spokesperson added.

“These guidelines ensure state-wide consistency and avoid a proliferation of signs across the road network which could reduce their effectiveness.

“We will reinstall the temporary signs in early 2024 in time for the next magpie geese breeding season.”

Douglas Shire Mayor, Michael Kerr, commented on the issue at the time: “We encourage all motorists to drive safely and be aware of wildlife on all roads in Douglas Shire,” Cr Kerr said in March.

“Warri Park on Port Douglas Road is a popular spot for bird watchers and many native bird species frequent that area.”