Rodney Stevens
Visitors to Yamba this Easter may be greeted with the same inquisitive looks that have been exciting locals over the past couple of months from a Coastal Emu that has taken up residence in paddocks near Wynyabbie House at Palmers Channel.
Social media has been abuzz with sightings and photos of the critically endangered, world’s second tallest bird, which is only found on the NSW North Coast.
On some occasions people have reported seeing a lone emu, while at other times there have been reports of up to six emus wandering around the paddocks as cars and trucks whizz past at 80km/h.
Signs have been erected on the approach to Palmers Channel from the east and west, warning motorists of the possibility of Coastal Emus being in the area and urging them to take care.
It is estimated there are less than 50 Coastal Emus remaining in the wild and their population continues to face threats from development, vehicle strikes, fencing, loss of habitat, feral animals, weeds and fire.
The Coastal Emu population stretches from Corindi to Evans Head along the northern New South Wales coast and inland to Bungawalbin wetlands and surrounds.
The main coastal emu strongholds remain near Yuraygir National Park, south of Yamba, and Bungawalbin National Park, north of Iluka.
In December 2022, Clarence Valley Council won the Local Government NSW Excellence in the Environment Award for Natural Environment Protection and Enhancement, for their Caring for our Coastal Emu – partnerships to protect an endangered population project.
Council worked with the Lions Club of Clarence – Environmental, NSW Department of Planning and Environment and Transport for NSW to deliver speed zone reductions, ‘Emu Zone’ pavement patches, fencing trials on road reserve boundaries to allow easier passage, installation of dedicated vehicle activated signs (Clarence Valley first) and a reduction in vehicle strikes on a 7km section of Brooms Head Road at Taloumbi.
The caring for our Coastal Emu project also worked with traditional owners, local landowners and businesses, Maclean Landcare Group, Bungawalbin Landcare, Western Sydney University, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Local Land Services, and the Clarence Valley Council local traffic committee.
Reporting sightings of Coastal Emus can help the project understand why they prefer a particular habitat, their distribution and movement paths, which could ultimately help save their lives.
If you see any signs of Coastal Emus, including sightings, hearing drumming, scats, feathers, tracks or eggs report them online at https://www.clarenceconversations.com.au/coastalemus
Reports of Coastal Emu sightings can also be made by calling council’s Natural Resource Management team on 6643 0200.