An Australian billionaire has come under fire after a decision to block access to a golf course caused local residents to fear for the safety of native wildlife and motorists, sparking a row with his neighbours.
Residents of Yaroomba on Queensland's Sunshine Coast say billionaire luxury playground owner Clive Palmer is putting the lives of eastern gray kangaroos at risk after blocking the animals' safe access to the playground via an underpass.
With a tall metal gate fitted with spikes and padlocks preventing kangaroos from entering the Palmer Coolum Resort, locals said the animals were left to use an alternative route to cross the main road.
If opened, the gate would allow local wildlife to pass between the east and west sides of the David Low Way.
Those calling for the mining magnate and former politician to open the gate said three kangaroos and a joey had been killed on a nearby road, with some fearing it was only a matter of time before someone was involved in a serious accident or killed.
While some believe the safety of local wildlife has compromised development in the area, others believe it is a direct result of the blocked road that was previously used for golf cart access.
Local councilor Taylor Bunnag said he was being contacted by concerned residents and motorists who were “very frustrated” every day.
The councilor said “enough is enough”.
“It is time for Palmer Coolum Resort management to open the gate under David Low Way to give our kangaroos a chance to cross into the golf course area,” he said.
“As a local resident of Yaroomby I was upset to see the recent deaths. I have been working with council officers and our experts on how to stop more roo deaths in this section.”
Cr Bunnag noted experts said the gate needed to be opened “now”.
A petition to open the gate had nearly 2,000 signatures at the time of publication.
More than 5000 animals were hit by cars in Queensland in 2023, a 22 per cent increase on the previous year, according to Suncorp.
Collisions with kangaroos and kangaroos account for 90 per cent of animal accidents in Australia, according to RSPCA Queensland.
The animal charity warns drivers to take “extra care” when driving at dawn and dusk, when animals are most active, and to never swerve to avoid hitting an animal, but instead try to stop.
About 12 to 20 kangaroos are said to be found in the Yaroomba area.
Palmer Coolum Resort has been contacted for comment.
