A wildlife overpass along Hamilton Road in Chermside continues to support native species movement more than 15 years after its construction.
Background and Early Development
The Hamilton Road wildlife overpass in Chermside was constructed as part of a $50 million upgrade completed in early 2008. The project reconnected a 1.2-kilometre section of Hamilton Road through the Chermside Hills, aiming to reduce congestion on nearby Rode Road and improve east–west vehicle access through Chermside and McDowall.
As part of the development, approximately 140 grass trees were relocated to preserve existing vegetation. Wildlife-related features included an overpass bridge, an underpass at Little Cabbage Tree Creek, and nesting boxes for wallabies, possums and sugar gliders.
Ongoing Use and Wildlife Monitoring
More than a decade after opening, the overpass remains in use, particularly by wallabies. North Brisbane Catchments confirmed continued cooperation with BCC in deploying motion detection cameras to assess the species utilising the crossing and the frequency of their movements.
The Hamilton Road overpass is one of many Wildlife Movement Solutions (WMS) implemented across Brisbane to allow animals safe passage where ecological corridors are interrupted by roads. These solutions include exclusion fencing, culvert underpasses, rope bridges, glider poles, and escape devices for koalas and kangaroos.
Chermside Hills is one of the city’s identified zones for WMS, with additional features placed near Milne Hill Reserve, Raven Street Park, and Hamilton Road Quarry Park.
Broader Comparisons and Design Insights
Though Hamilton Road was among the earlier overpass installations, Compton Road near Karawatha Forest has since become Brisbane’s most well-known WMS site. Completed in 2004, the Compton Road crossing includes a wide range of features such as rope ladders, glider poles, fauna culverts, and exclusion fencing. It has been recognised internationally and reportedly made up only around one per cent of the total project cost.
Internationally, The Netherlands has constructed 66 wildlife crossings, providing a reference point for urban biodiversity initiatives.
Community Observations and Considerations
Some residents who engaged in recent community discussions described the Hamilton Road overpass as a well-considered element of the road upgrade. Local commentary has also credited former city official Campbell Newman for supporting the initiative during his term in office.
Others in the community highlighted the need for suitable fencing to better direct animals toward the crossing and called for similar infrastructure on regional roads, where wildlife-vehicle strikes remain a concern.
Looking Ahead
The Hamilton Road wildlife overpass in Chermside continues to contribute to local fauna safety and ecological connectivity. Ongoing monitoring and public discussion support its role as a reference point in urban biodiversity planning.
Published 22-May-2025
