Atherton crews create possum magic

Ergon Energy Network’s Atherton crew has erected a lifesaving aerial crossing for possums on Lake Barrine Road.

Field construction officer Kent Lockett organised the job after a request from the South Endeavour Trust.  

“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,” Mr Lockett said.   

Director of South Endeavour Trust, Tim Hughes said Ergon’s support of the project had been truly fantastic and it was great to see the possum bridge in the air.

“It is a key link in the corridor that the Tablelands community has been working on for nearly 30 years to connect Lake Eacham and Curtain Fig National Parks.  

“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,” Mr Hughes said.

He said a range of smaller wildlife would also use the bridge, including the Long-tailed Pygmy possum.

“Our experience with other such possum bridges is that they facilitate thousands of wildlife crossings and for those wondering wildlife will find them quickly and use them regularly.  

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of Ergon in designing the engineering, supplying the poles and erecting the bridge for us. The Ergon crews have been very professional and a delight to work with,” Mr Hughes said.  

Ergon’s senior environmental advisor, Caroline Sandral said it was a great opportunity to partner with South Endeavour Trust to contribute towards conservation by providing a bridge to improve species movement.

“Ergon takes great pride in minimising 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,” she said.