COUNCIL officers got more than they bargained for while conducting a cassowary survey north of the Daintree River last week.

A curious cassowary wandered over to them as they delivered forms on Turpentine Rd before it returned to forage in the rainforest. Council Officers were then treated to a similar encounter yesterday. They’ve been visiting homes and businesses in the Daintree to collect information on cassowaries and dogs to help inform strategies to preserve the habitat of the threatened species.

Mayor Julia Leu said the feedback provided is proof there is no better source of information on cassowary sightings, behaviour and threats than the locals who live with them.

“The type of information we’re seeking is how much awareness there is in our communities about cassowaries and their habitats, where they see them and what threats they have observed,” Leu said.

“This information will then be collated so that Council and other government agencies can use this local intelligence to better inform our strategies to preserve and enhance cassowary habitats.

“We’re very grateful for the positive response to the survey we’ve had so far and believe this approach will deliver the best outcome not just for cassowaries but the people who live and work north of the Daintree River.”

Council Officers will continue to go door-to-door with the surveys until 17 February. The surveys can also be completed online.

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