David Gardiner

Journalist

A campaign to prevent magpie geese being run over on Port Douglas Road has had a positive outcome.

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

After Newsport helped highlight the issue, the department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) agreed to install the signage.

Now, the ‘Care For Our Wildlife’ signs, depicting a silhouette of a generic family of ducks, have been put up along the side of the main road.

When Newsport last reported on the progress of the signs, a TMR spokesperson told us: “We encourage motorists to drive to conditions and be alert for magpie geese on Port Douglas Road.”

“Later this year, we will assess the effectiveness of the signs in consultation with Douglas Shire Council,” the spokesperson also said.

Douglas Shire Mayor, Michael Kerr, also 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.

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