Water North Rivers welcomes release of Far North Coast Regional Water Strategy Watch out for endangered coastal emus these school holidays

The Saving our Species program is reminding north coast residents and visitors to watch out for endangered coastal emus these school holidays after the death of an emu from vehicle strike last week.

Saving our Species Senior Team Leader Melissa Giese said measures had been put in place to mitigate the risk of vehicle strike for the coastal emu population at Brooms Head.

“This population of coastal emus is unique – unlike any other emus in Australia. We estimate fewer than 40 animals remain in the population, so every measure we can take to protect them is important.

“A key threat to the population is vehicle strike, with studies showing more than 60 emus have been killed by vehicles over the last 10 years.

“The latest casualty happened just last week, which followed a suspected chick vehicle strike death in May.

“Clarence Valley Council, Transport for NSW, Department of Planning and Environment and local community groups have worked together to reduce speed limits on Brooms Head Rd, and clear signage is in place.

“Particularly now as we start the school holidays, we are asking locals and visitors to the area to please heed the signs and the speed limit which is enforceable by law.

“The speed reduction zone is located at an emu crossing corridor and road strike hotspot and is the same location where the emu was killed last week.

“I would also like to acknowledge the huge community effort that went into fnding the injured emu and getting it to veterinary attention,” Ms Giese said.

Local residents can help save the coastal emu by:

• reporting sightings of emus in the Clarence Valley Local Government Area via Clarence Valley Council’s online sightings register;

• Installing emufriendly fencing if they own land where emus roam; and particularly welcomed the signifcant role for First Nation peoples in this strategy, and the recognition of their water rights.

• be on high alert for emus on local roads.

Mr. Richardson urged community members to become familiar with the strategy over the coming months and to ensure their local councillors were, too.

The full Strategy and supporting documents can be viewed at: https://water.dpie. nsw.gov.au/plans-andprograms/regionalwater-strategies/fnal/ far-north-coast-regionalwater-strategy

Water Northern Rivers acknowledges the leadership of previous Ministers Melinda Pavey and Kevin Anderson, and current Minister Rose Jackson, in addition to the extensive work of DPE staff in the delivery of this strategy, and thanks all of those involved.