A new lifesaving aerial crossing for possums has been erected on Lake Barrine Road by Ergon Energy.

The new aerial crossing for possums. Picture - Ergon Energy

Ergon Energy Network's Atherton crew has successfully installed a life-saving aerial crossing for possums along Lake Barrine Road. The initiative, organized by Ergon's field construction officer, Kent Lockett, came to fruition in response to a request from the South Endeavour Trust.

Kent Lockett expressed the crew's enthusiasm for giving back to the community and aiding in the protection of native species. He stated, "It's great for local crews to be able to give back to the community in this way and help keep our native species safe. We've done a few of these possum bridges now, and the latest construction is near a wildlife corridor that's been revegetated, close to the turn-off to Lake Eacham."

Tim Hughes, Director of South Endeavour Trust, commended Ergon's fantastic support for the project, emphasizing the importance of the possum bridge in connecting Lake Eacham and Curtain Fig National Parks within the Tablelands community's 30-year conservation effort.

Tim Hughes explained, "The bridge will provide a safe road crossing for a significant number of local endemic possums, including the Green Ringtail Possum, Striped Possum, and Coppery Brushtail Possum. A range of smaller wildlife will also use the bridge, including the Long-tailed Pygmy possum."

Acknowledging the effectiveness of similar possum bridges in facilitating wildlife crossings, Tim Hughes expressed gratitude for Ergon's involvement in designing the engineering, supplying the poles, and erecting the bridge. He praised the professionalism and collaboration of the Ergon crews, emphasizing their integral role in the success of the project.

Caroline Sandral, Ergon's senior environmental advisor, highlighted the company's commitment to minimizing environmental impact. She stated, "Ergon takes great pride in minimizing environmental impact where it can. Assisting with the aerial movement of possums across this road is Ergon's small part in giving back and assisting with conservation."

The partnership between Ergon Energy Network and South Endeavour Trust exemplifies a collaborative effort to contribute to conservation by providing vital infrastructure to enhance species movement and ensure the safety of local wildlife.

Green Ringtail Possum - Photo by Steven Nowakowski 

Mallan Cloud Forest and Threatened Possums.

The Maalan Cloud Forest property is key to rainforest connectivity, and will create a vital wildlife corridor. Strategically located between Wooroonooran National Park and Maalan National Park, the Maalan Cloud Forest property's value as a corridor for wildlife is immense. Threatened species on the property include the Spectacled Flying Fox, Spotted-tail Quoll, Southern Cassowary, Lumholtz’s Tree-kangaroo, Lemuroid Ringtail Possum, Green Ringtail Possum, Herbert River Ringtail Possum, Golden Bowerbird. 

That’s why we are buying this 83-hectare block - its conservation value as a critical wildlife corridor and refuge is priceless. 

Please, donate now and help purchase and protect the Maalan Cloud Forest. Prefer to use PayPal? Please donate here.

For more information please see our Maalan Cloud Forest protect.