DOUGLAS Shire Council has launched a survey to collect information from Daintree residents on cassowaries and dogs to help inform strategies to preserve the habitat of the threatened species.

Council Officers will survey attendees at World Cassowary Day 2016 to be held at Cape Tribulation on Saturday 24 September and will attempt to visit all businesses and residents living north of the Daintree River to fill in the survey in the coming months.

The survey can be completed online.

Douglas Shire Council Mayor and World Cassowary Day Ambassador Julia Leu said the survey was essential in raising awareness and gaining community viewpoints which Council and other agencies can consider when formulating policies and guidelines designed to preserve and enhance cassowary habitats.

“Council actively promotes and recognises the Daintree Rainforest’s role in preserving and enhancing cassowary habitats,” Leu said.

“The Douglas Shire has done more to support the preservation of cassowary habitats than any community in Australia and we are determined to continue this commitment.

“Destruction of habitat is the biggest threat to cassowaries and Douglas Shire Council’s feral pig management program which removes more than 500 of the destructive pests from the rainforest annually is regarded as best practice in Australia and certainly increases the cassowaries’ chances of survival.

“Reducing the threat of vehicle strikes and dog attacks is also vital if we are to reach our goal of removing cassowaries from the threatened species list.

“To help us achieve this, Council has launched a survey so the community can also help shape comprehensive strategies to preserve cassowaries and their habitats.”

Leu also encouraged local residents and visitors to come along to World Cassowary Day 2016 in Cape Tribulation on Saturday 24 September.

“As World Cassowary Day Ambassador, I’m thrilled that Cape Tribulation is hosting this year’s event and looking forward to welcoming people from all over Australia for a community family fun day of market stalls, live music, children’s entertainment, expert speakers and information about cassowaries and conservation,” she said.

“All levels of government and the community need to work together to ensure that cassowaries are protected for future generations.”