Rodney Stevens

Residents of the Clarence Valley and visitors to the area are being asked to keep a close lookout for endangered Coastal Emus on local roads following the recent death of a Coastal Emu on Brooms Head Road and the sighting of what appeared to be a family of the flightless birds at Palmers Island last Tuesday.

When the Coastal Emu count was done in October 2023, fewer than 50 of these critically endangered birds, that were once widespread across north-eastern NSW, were spotted in their remaining habitat from Corindi to Evans Head.

Coastal Emus are genetically different from all other Emus in Australia, and their loss would have a serious environmental impact because they eat and spread fruits and seeds across large areas which helps keep north-eastern NSW forests healthy and able to support many different threatened plants and animals.

Attacks from feral animals including pigs, dogs, and foxes can cause emu injury or death, particularly in chicks, and you can reduce the risks of attack by keeping your pets secured during the day and reporting sightings of wild dogs, feral pigs and foxes to Local Land Services on 1300 795 299.

The recent tragic death of a Coastal Emu on Brooms Head Road this month prompted Clarence Valley Council to issue the following warning to locals.

The Coastal Emu is a protected animal, both alive and dead.

Please leave remains where they are for the appropriate authority to deal with and to allow cultural repatriation.

You can help save Coastal Emus by reporting sightings of emus in the Clarence Valley Local Government Area via Clarence Valley Council’s online sightings register; installing emu-friendly fencing if you own land where emus roam; and by being on high alert for emus on local roads, following animal warning signs, slowing down and driving to the speed limit.

If you see an emu, log your sighting online at www.clarenceconversations.com.au/coastalemus