General News
3 June, 2026
Proud dad loses one chick
A CASSOWARY chick from a big family has been killed despite new electronic signs warning drivers about the presence of a male cassowary and his five youngsters being installed on El Arish/Mission Beach Road.
Environmentalist Liz Gallie has reported on Facebook that one of the five chicks was hit and killed by a vehicle last Friday.
“One of these juveniles has been killed on the road today outside Charley’s Chocolate,” she said.
“PLEASE SLOW DOWN AND WATCH OUT FOR THIS CASSOWARY FAMILY CROSSING THE ROAD NEAR Charley’s Chocolate.”
Mission Beach Cassowaries Facebook page had reported that the cassowary recovery team at a meeting last week raised awareness about the cassowary and the five chicks being seen regularly on the El Arish/Mission Beach Road, near Charley’s Chocolate, with the Department of Transport and Main Road and Cassowary Coast Regional Council.
“The CCRC have already ordered variable message signs to help warn drivers of the birds presence at this high speed section of road,” the post said. “A huge thank you to Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg and Cassowary Coast Regional Council for taking such quick action.
“We see this as a wonderful response from authorities to a potentially dangerous situation for both cassowaries and drivers.
“Signage is the only tool currently available to help reduce cassowary roadkill in our area.
“The road toll for cassowaries is unacceptably high and with Mission Beach seen as a growth area it is our responsibility to address the resulting impacts on this magnificent species.”
Read More: El Arish