Ed,

Oh dear, very depressing really. Last Tuesday week, approximately 4.30 in the afternoon, an adult emu had to be euthanised as it was run over by a vehicle along Brooms Head Rd between Wallaby Lane and Tailem Drv. The death occurred along the straight stretch of road where the emus CAN easily be seen. Two emus had been seen in the area in the preceding couple of days.

Someone very kindly rang Wires who responded very quickly. However, the leg was snapped in two!

However, we now have the case of the missing carcass! First Nations went out to retrieve the body so a ceremonial burial could be performed. However, the carcass was no where to be seen!

This was very unfortunate as it was extremely important to collect feathers etc for a DNA sample. The NSW government- Save Our Species are involved in research regarding the endangered coastal emu.

Many in this community have spent money and time to try and make the Brooms Head Road a much safer place for emus to cross. However, we now need the community to become more engaged AND encourage others to SLOW DOWN and LOOK!

Remember these emus are genetically different from the ones out west and provide an important function here in seed distribution and insect management.

Elvira ( the local celebrity emu) who had written two letters to the Independent last year was too depressed to write another, so I am! You remember Elvira? She entertained hundreds of locals and tourists along Yamba Rd last year.

Let’s all work together to protect these emus as there are approximately only 40 left in the area.

If you have some good ideas on what can be done differently, please send messages to our Lions Of Clarence- Environmental Facebook page.

Barbara Linley, Lions Of Clarence- Environmental