New app trial for bird alert

MOTORISTS will now be able to receive alerts straight to their mobile phones about cassowaries near roads across the region thanks to a new app trial.

The State Government yesterday announced it will be adding a ‘Report Cassowary’ feature to the QLDTraffic app to protect the region’s iconic animals as well as motorists.

Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said locals and visitors in the Yarrabah, Cape York, Cairns and Cassowary Coast regions would be able to alert others to cassowary sightings in the immediate area through the app.

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the success of the cassowary app trial would be assessed in partnership with the Cassowary Recovery Team.

“Reporting roadside cassowary sightings is one way we can all play a role in ensuring the world’s third-tallest living bird remains an important part of our rainforest ecosystems for future generations,” she said.

“Any cassowary you report to the QLDTraffic app will trigger a warning that will remain active for an hour and will inform other users passing within 500 metres of cassowary’s last known location.

“Motorists using the app in travel mode will hear an audio alert advising of a recent cassowary sighting nearby and to drive carefully.

“Together with road signage, the QLDTraffic app is an innovative and interactive tool for protecting cassowaries but it relies on motorists being alert and slowing down when driving in cassowary territory.”

The app trial follows an increase in bird sightings.