New RACV Insurance data shows there were 122 insurance claims for animal collisions originating from the shire, which represented 59 per cent of the region’s total.

Kangaroos were involved in 119 collisions in the Northern Grampians Shire.

The other three incidents related to two dogs and a sheep.

Overall, animal collisions in the Wimmera increased 16 per cent, to 208.

Across Victoria, the frequency and cost of crashes involving animals increased more than five per cent in 2015-16.

The RACV received nearly 15 animal collision insurance claims each day in the last financial year and paid out more than $24 million to members involved in more than 5300 animal collisions.

The average cost of claims was 2.1 per cent higher than the previous year.

Kangaroos were involved in 82 per cent of all animal collisions resulting in an RACV claim. Wombats were the second most common animal involved in collisions, accounting for 240 claims, followed by dogs with 218 claims. Most animal collisions happened near dawn and after dusk.

For kangaroos, the greatest risk periods are around 6am and 6pm. Collisions with wombats peak about 9pm and incidents involving dogs are fairly evenly spread throughout the day from 8am to 10pmd.

The RACV’s community partner Wildlife Victoria is helping to create awareness of how to live sustainably with wildlife.

While animal collisions could happen at any time during the year, the number of collisions involving kangaroos spiked in autumn and 30 per cent of wombat accidents occurred in winter.

RACV Insurance received animal collision claims from every Victorian municipality, ranging from 413 in Greater Bendigo to two in Stonnington and one in Yarra.

Of the Bendigo claims, 402 involved kangaroos, while a kangaroo and a dog were involved in the Stonnington collisions and a dog in the Yarra collision.

Motorists should always drive at a speed suitable for the conditions and remember that rapidly expanding urban areas increasingly bring us into contact with wildlife when we may not expect to.

Whether a collision happens on a country road, highway or urban street, colliding with an animal can be heartbreaking.

It can put you and your family at risk and also prove costly if your vehicle needs repairing. While avoiding collisions is always best, motorists should hold adequate comprehensive insurance coverage to ensure that costs associated with a collision are recovered. Motorists are advised to call 1300 094 535 to report injured or sick native animals to Wildlife Victoria, which can treat injured animals or, if the animal didn’t survive, check for young.

MARK GERAGHTY

RACV General Manager Motor Insurance

UNCONVENTIONAL gas exploration is a source of concern for many Victorian farmers.

So I am sure there was a collective sigh of relief this week for many who are on land in the sights of coal seam gas companies.

The former Coalition government’s ban on exploration and extraction of unconventional onshore gas was given permanency this week, while a moratorium on conventional onshore gas was extended to 2020.

Farmers have serious concerns on the detrimental effects of fracking on water quality and quantity, this ban brings them peace of mind for the future.

The Nationals have always had the best interests of farmers and regional communities at its core.

We were proud to be part of the former Coalition government who introduced Victoria’s fracking moratorium and who banned the use of BTEX chemicals.

Our farmers and rural communities are one of the powerhouses of Victoria’s economy and The Nationals will always fight to ensure that the land and water resources they need are protected.

While the Coalition welcomes Labor’s continuation of the Liberal Nationals’ policy, Daniel Andrews must do more to provide relief from rising cost of living pressures hitting Victorian families.

PETER WALSH

Nationals Leader

VICTORIAN farmers have moved one step closer to gaining greater mobile phone coverage and competition. 

Australia’s competition watchdog has launched an inquiry into declaring wholesale domestic mobile roaming services. 

The watchdog’s declaration of domestic inter-carrier roaming will open up the nation’s mobile telecommunications market to true competition.

Once a service is declared, it is subject to regulation and the provider of a declared service must supply it to other carriers when requested. Telstra, Vodafone, Optus and other mobile carriers would be forced to offer each other access to their networks, with the watchdog overseeing the process.

It would mean that as you travel around your mobile would tap into the nearest tower, no matter who owns it, as part of these mobile inter-carrier roaming agreements.

Rural and regional Australia are yet to enjoy the benefits of true competition due to Telstra’s market dominance. Poor connectivity and high costs are one of the biggest issues our members raise with us.

We need competition, which will help break Telstra’s monopoly and end the duplication of the rural mobile network.

BRETT HOSKING

VFF Vice-President