Water for Wildlife feeders installed to help Livingstone’s native species
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A number of water stations for thirsty wildlife will be installed across the Livingstone Shire region as part of an important initiative to assist drought, heat wave and fire-affected animals.
Livingstone Shire Council recently joined the national programme, Water for Wildlife, which delivers free water stations to animal rescue groups, Councils and caring individuals around Australia, who are all doing their bit to give local wildlife access to water in times of need.
Councillor Andrea Friend, Portfolio holder of Water, Waste Management and the Environment, said Livingstone is one of 42 Council’s across the country taking part in the community-based initiative, and is one of three local governments in Queensland forming part of the long list.
“These water stations are free, ready to install and are accompanied by simple set-up instructions. Stations can hold nearly 15 litres of water and can be refilled as required,” Cr Friend said.
“Council is proud to support this initiative which will give thirsty local wildlife access to a reliable water source water year-round.
“Local residents can easily get on board and make their own their own potable water station for their backyard or property. Our wildlife are precious and unique, and we all need to ensure they are cared for during times of extreme weather conditions.”
Council employees will be installing 12 water stations throughout several localities including Cawarral, Yeppoon, Marlborough and other fire and drought affected areas across the Shire.
Conservative estimates suggest that more than 1 billion native animals have perished during Australia's bushfire crisis.
But even when the fires subside, the danger isn't over — with prolonged drought and more frequent heatwaves taking a toll on already struggling wildlife.
Over the Black Summer of 2019/2020, long-term drought compounded by months of horrific fires took a tragic toll on native wildlife.
Millions of hectares of habitat were destroyed, nearly 3 billion animals were lost or displaced and the long-term impact of these losses on biodiversity is still unclear.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology 2019 was Australia's hottest on record.
Thankfully due to recent rain the coming fire season is expected to be less devastating than last year, however, the longer term climate forecasts are indicating that fire seasons will be longer and extreme weather events will continue to increase in frequency and intensity.
For more information about the initiative, please visit https://www.animalsaustralia.org/features/water-for-wildlife-water-is-life.php