Possum lifeline

Possums won’t need to take to the streets after Flat Rope Ladder Crossings were erected above the Eastern Link last week.

The structures are looped between trees on either side of the bridge to enable critically endangered Western Ringtails to travel safely across the road.

Busselton FAWNA president Suzanne Strap said she thought the crossings were a good attempt to mitigate some of the losses caused by the Eastern Link development.

“Its a positive step towards recognising the impact of increased development in Busselton on our urban wildlife.”

The structure acts as a semi-natural corridor above the road to ensure habitat conservation and prevent roadkill accidents.

City of Busselton director of engineering and works services Oliver Darby said the crossings cost $173,000 to supply and install.

“The City was always aware that there would be environmental offsets associated with the Eastern Link development,” Mr Darby said.

“The cost of constructing the possum bridge was factored into the final project cost once it was identified as an environmental requirement.”

Mr Darby said the 154 metre crossing was so extensive because it was required to provide access across the river as well as the road.

In 2013 a similar rope bridge instalment was employed along Caves road and saw strong uptake by the endangered species.