TWO cassowaries have been killed near Mission Beach today.

A recent sighting of cassowary ‘Yellow Knees’ walking on El-Arish – Mission Beach Road with his chicks went viral on social media (see above video) before the tragic incident prompting several warnings to drivers including temporary signs put in place.

Minister for Main Roads and Road Safety Mark Bailey said he was saddened to hear two of the chicks had been killed on the road.

“I was as excited as anyone to see the recent video of Yellow Knees and his chicks at Mission Beach, but concerned at the same time because they were on the road,” he said.

“Cassowary deaths due to vehicle strikes is a big problem in Mission Beach and this is just a terrible outcome for the cassowary population there.”

Liz Gallie from Mission Beach Cassowaries said she was fed-up that even despite all the warnings, these chicks were killed.

“Driver behaviour has to change,” Ms Gallie said.

“We don’t want to see anymore cassowaries killed on our roads.
“All it takes is one minute more, to drive slower on our roads in Mission Beach. That extra minute will help our cassowaries to be able to cross the road safely.”

Mr Bailey said a new trial will begin in the coming weeks of vehicle-activated signs to help prevent cassowary deaths by passing drivers.

“They’ll be complemented by static signs and line marking to encourage drivers to slow down and vehicle speeds will be monitored to ensure drivers take more care in a known cassowary crossing area,” he said.

“We’ve worked closely with the community, through the Cassowary Recovery Team, on this trial and will list the 24-hour cassowary reporting hotline number on signs to deliver the best results.”

The 24-hour cassowary reporting hotline number is 1300 130 372.