Non-binary battle as 63-year-old Perth worker sacked for calling colleague ‘he' not ‘they'
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Non-binary battle as 63-year-old Perth worker sacked for calling colleague 'he' not 'they'
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Perth Now
a day ago
- Perth Now
Bid to stop animals being killed on roads as fatalities rise
Virtual fencing could be introduced across Perth's northern suburbs as a potential solution to reduce wildlife road fatalities, with the City of Wanneroo set to assess the technology's potential use in areas prone to wildlife collisions. The council asked at last week's meeting for the city to investigate the effectiveness of virtual fencing and prepare a project proposal for its installation along high-risk roads. Virtual fencing is a wildlife deterrent system that uses sensors to warn animals of approaching vehicles by emitting flashing lights and sounds to stop them from crossing roads. Posts, usually solar-powered, are spaced at regular intervals and work together to create a continuous virtual barrier along the edges of roads. Based on known wildlife movement and development pressures, 11 priority roads have been requested for consideration in a potential virtual fencing trial. These are Breakwater Drive, Flynn Drive, Badgerup Road, Hawkins Road, Townsend Road, Old Yanchep Road, Pipidinny Road, Neaves Road, Marmion Road, Wanneroo Road, and Woodvale Drive. Wanneroo Councillor Jacqui Huntley, who has successfully passed a motion for the City to investigate rolling out virtual fencing. Credit: Andrew Ritchie / The West Australian Cr Jacqueline Huntley, who is also a licensed independent wildlife carer, brought the proposal to the council. She believes something needs to be done to address the rising number of wildlife road fatalities and accidents caused by them, primarily involving kangaroos in the Wanneroo area, and said virtual fencing was a promising solution compared to conventional fencing. 'Virtual fencing presents a modern and non-invasive solution that, in trials, has actually worked,' Cr Huntley said. 'Traditional wire or post fencing, while intended to prevent animal crossings, has severe flaws, particularly in bushfire conditions. These fences can trap wildlife, blocking escape routes and often leading to horrific outcomes. 'Virtual fencing, by contrast, preserves the integrity of the environment while offering safety to both drivers and the animals that call this region home.' It is estimated that more than 7000 insurance claims in Australia are made each year due to collisions with kangaroos. According to Budget Direct, animal collisions account for five per cent of all road accidents in Australia, with kangaroos involved in 90 per cent of these incidents. Kangaroos on Yellagonga Regional Park Andrew Ritchie Credit: Andrew Ritchie / The West Australian The City of Joondalup is also investigating the use of virtual fencing. Last November it unanimously backed a motion for a report into the installation of virtual fencing or a land bridge around Pinnaroo Memorial Park and some Woodvale areas to protect kangaroos. In 2023, Eurobodalla Shire near Canberra trialled a virtual fence along a stretch of road, with posts placed every 25 metres. The shire reported wildlife collisions dropped from five per week to just five in the entire first year. With development rapidly expanding across the city, Cr Huntley says the council has a duty to explore innovative measures that protect native wildlife as natural habitats are lost. 'Given the scale of the upcoming development throughout Wanneroo and the known hotspots where wildlife road fatalities are frequently recorded, this council has an obligation to explore smarter solutions,' she said. 'This is a meaningful step towards our shared goals of biodiversity preservation, public safety and responsible planning.' Cr Huntley's motion was seconded by Cr Paul Miles and passed 10–3, with mayor Linda Aitken among those voting against. Wanneroo Cr Paul Miles and Cr Jacqui Huntley who have successfully passed a motion for the City to investigate rolling out virtual fencing, with Keith Fox (centre) from Rocky Ridge Wildlife Sanctuary, who is also advocating for the devices. Credit: Andrew Ritchie / The West Australian Cr Miles believes the technology behind the virtual fencing is promising. 'I can't wait to see administration trialling them in the locations listed in the report and hearing back from them over the coming months, if not years, to see how they are going,' he said. Preliminary estimates by the city put the cost of installing virtual fencing at around $10,000 per kilometre. City staff are now preparing a project proposal outlining the scope, required resources, budget estimates, and timelines for consideration in the development of the 2026-27 budget.
West Australian
a day ago
- West Australian
Non-binary battle as 63-year-old Perth worker sacked for calling colleague ‘he' not ‘they'
The West Australian exclusive Non-binary battle as 63-year-old Perth worker sacked for calling colleague 'he' not 'they'
West Australian
a day ago
- West Australian
West Coast Fever grand final: Eagles, Dockers, Chad Warner, Basil Zempilas among West Aussies sending support
The entire State has rallied behind West Coast Fever ahead of their massive grand final this weekend, with top footy stars, sporting greats, politicians and Perthonalities flooding the team with messages of support. The side — who are on the greatest win streak of any club in West Australian history — will take on the Vixens in Melbourne on Saturday night for the Super Netball premiership. A victory would mark the Fever's second ever flag and extend their hot streak to a staggering 14 straight wins. Their success — led by the greatest netballer on the planet Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard — has WA at fever pitch, including some of the biggest names in the State who have sent in video messages of support. Among them was West Coast Eagles captain Liam Duggan, who said he had no doubts the squad would bring home the trophy. 'Hey girls, congratulations on making your way to the final, all the best this weekend against the Vixens,' he said. One of WA's top AFL stars Chad Warner, who plays for the Swans, said: 'I hope you do well, I hope you guys enjoy it, most importantly. We're all behind you ... cheering you on, so I hope you have a great one and get the 'W''. Retired Docker and avid Fever fan Michael Walters said: 'Just want to wish all the girls in the grand final all the best.' 'We'll be watching, WA is right behind you, West Coast Fever ... let's go!' Fremantle AFLW captain Ange Stannett also sent her well wishes. 'Your relentlessness all season is what's got you here and that's exactly why you'll make this moment,' she said. 'We're all right behind you.' Her teammate Ash Brazill — a former Fever player herself— also got behind her old club, even bringing her three-year-old in for a cameo. 'You've had an unbelievable season, but this game is the one that matters,' Brazill said. 'The Brazill family will be cheering you along with the purple army.' 'Go Fever!' her daughter Frankie added. Eagles AFLW captain Charlie Thomas said: 'Congrats Fever, we'll be cheering you on from the sidelines.' West Coast Fever legend Natalie Medhurst also rallied behind her old side. 'Just wanting to wish you all the absolute best for the grand final against the Melbourne Vixens,' she said. 'What an opporunity to be able to run out there in front of a sell-out crowd — no matter where it is! Enjoy this moment, make the most of it, which i know you will, have each other's backs, make those big moments count and enjoy it.' AFL great and The West columnist Danielle Laidley — who has also been a mentor for Fever coach Dan Ryan — said: 'Good luck in the grand final, you've been practicing for this all year.' 'Enjoy, stay fierce, calm and have a wonderful experience, go the Fever.' They may not agree on much, but Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti and Liberal leader Basil Zempilas are seemingly united as part of the green army. 'We know you can do it, WA is right behind you,' Saffioti, who is also Sports Minister, said in her video. Zempilas said: 'You've been the best team all year, 13 in-a-row! One more against the Vixens on Saturday night and bring that trophy home.' West Australian cricket legends Justin Langer also got behind the squad, labelling them an 'inspiration' to the State. 'Hope it's a great game, hope it's a great final, keep inspiring everyone, keep entertaining,' he said. Fellow cricket great Mitchell Johnson, who wrote his The Sunday Times column last week on his love for the Fever, encouraged the side to go hard for the win. 'This is why we play sports to be in these big moments,' he said. 'Go out there, keep trusting each other, do the hard work, back each other right up, get in a scrap if you have to, enjoy the moment, bring home that trophy.' Scorchers superstar Ashton Agar said the 13 game streak was 'ridiculous' while his teammate Matt Kelly stated he couldn't wait to watch the final. Fellow Scorchers Ebony Hoskin and Sophie Devine praised the squad's outstanding season. 'Have fun and enjoy the occasion,' said Devine. Perth Glory captain and Soccerroo Adam Taggart said: 'We're looking forward to seeing you guys bring the trophy home this weekend, all the best!' Western Force star Carlo Tizzano said the Fever had 'absolutely killed it.' 'So proud of how you guys have represented WA, go out and win this grand final,' he said. Fellow Force player Michaela Leonard — the ex-roommate of Fever captain Jess Anstiss — also wished the side good luck, encouraging them to keep doing WA proud. Wildcats veteran Jesse Wagstaff said: 'Just wanted to wish the mighty Fever good luck in this week's big GF! The fam and I will be watching and no doubt you'll do Western Australia proud!' West Coast take on the Vixens at Rod Laver Arena at 5.30pm on Saturday.
