Green Fencing: A First for South Australia’s Southern Expressway
We are proud to announce that Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue Ltd (SKER) has partnered with Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) to trial our innovative “Green Fencing” concept along the Southern Expressway as part of the Majors Road Upgrade.
The Majors Road Upgrade officially opens on 12 October 2025, marking the beginning of a ground-breaking collaboration between government and wildlife organisations to reduce wildlife road fatalities and make our roads safer—for people and wildlife alike.
🐨 Why Green Fencing?
Each year, millions of native animals are tragically killed on Australian roads. Our team’s data shows that along the Southern Expressway in 2023 alone, 25 koalas lost their lives—almost all at points where the road could be easily accessed through open roadside vegetation.
Green Fencing provides a sustainable, cost-effective and visually appealing alternative to traditional exclusion fencing. By strategically planting dense native vegetation to form living barriers, we can:
Naturally deter wildlife from entering dangerous road corridors
Guide animals toward safer crossing points, such as underpasses or bridges
Enhance local biodiversity and improve habitat connectivity
Offset carbon emissions by increasing vegetation cover
Reduce implementation and maintenance costs compared to conventional fencing
🌱 What the Trial Involves
The trial will target several key open-access sections along the Southern Expressway identified through wildlife strike data and aligned with the upgrade project. These areas will be planted with dense native hedging, creating natural wildlife barriers that encourage animals to take the “path of least resistance” and keep off of the deadly expressway.
Many parts of the expressway already have partial vegetation—this trial aims to connect and strengthen these natural buffers into continuous green fencing.
This concept can also involve opportunities to:
Utilise native vegetation offset programs
Engage community volunteers and local environmental groups in planting days
Monitor and evaluate the impact on wildlife movement and road safety over time
🤝 A Partnership with Purpose
This project represents an exciting step forward for wildlife protection in South Australia. By combining SKER’s on-the-ground rescue experience and DIT’s infrastructure leadership, we’re pioneering a model that could be replicated across the state and beyond.
Our hope is that this pilot demonstrates how working with nature—not against it—can save lives, strengthen ecosystems, and create safer communities for everyone.
📅 Save the Date
The Majors Road Upgrade and Green Fencing trial officially commence on 12 October 2025. SKER will share trial outcomes as the project unfolds.
If you’d like to get involved—whether as a volunteer, donor, or supporter—stay tuned to our website and social media for more information.
Together, we can give wildlife a fighting chance. 💚
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