Twenty-four boxes have been installed by Inland Rail contractor McConnell Dowell to provide homes to wildlife potentially affected by site activity due to begin before the end of the year.
The boxes will provide safety and shelter for many native birds, bats and marsupial species such as the crimson rosella, turquoise parrot, yellow-tailed black cockatoo, powerful owl, sugar glider and the phascogale.
Made of marine ply, the boxes are hardy enough to survive the harsh conditions experienced in the Australian bush and will remain in position near the construction site.
The nesting boxes have been installed well before the building site is established in late-October and construction begins next year.
Ed Walker, ARTC Victoria and South Australian General Manager Projects said:
“Preserving the local flora and fauna is extremely important and we are working closely with our contractors to look after local wildlife.
“The volunteers at the Wangaratta Men’s Shed have done a great job building the nesting boxes.”
Tom Foley, McConnell Dowell Project Manager said:
“We are doing all we can to minimise disruption to the local community near our Inland Rail construction sites, and this includes for the local wildlife.”
