Dog and pig threat sparks talks on Daintree cassowary facility
DAINTREE
A CASSOWARY research and breeding facility could be set for the Daintree to help protect the iconic endangered bird.
A survey report tabled at yesterday’s Douglas Shire Council meeting found 90 per cent of residents believed feral pigs were a major problem for Cassowaries north of the Daintree River, while domestic dogs were also a concern.
Dogs used to hunt pigs have also been known to kill cassowaries.
An investment taskforce has been set up following the findings to discuss the feasibility of the cassowary centre, which would be similar to the two currently located on the Atherton Tablelands.
“This survey reaffirmed the complexity of managing different expectations in areas of significant ecological value,” Mayor Julia Leu said.
“Council is firmly dedicated to protecting our cassowaries and we have committed to a whole raft of actions to do this.
“The Tablelands has two cassowary facilities and I think it is time we at least look at the feasibility of building one in the Daintree Rainforest.”
“We also need to be rolling out better education programs, improving traffic slowing measures and better managing domestic dogs and feral pigs in the region.”
Cr Leu said Council had committed to six key actions to reduce impacts on Southern Cassowary populations in the Douglas Shire.
They include:
1. Better management of domestic dogs in the Daintree area (responsible pet owners).
2. Additional resources for the management of feral pigs in the Daintree area
3. Educational programs to stop the feeding of cassowaries and highlight their significance.
4. A review of traffic slowing measures in the Daintree area.
5. A review of the appropriateness of pig-hunting in the Daintree area.
6. An investigation into the feasibility of opening a cassowary research and/or breeding facility north of the Daintree River.
MEANWHILE travel on the Daintree Ferry will remain free this week.
Council have decided to foot the bill for anyone travelling to and from the Daintree Rainforest up until the ferry’s closure on February 28.
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The ferry will be out of the water for five days and is expected to resume normal service on March 5.
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