How Queenie’s legacy could live on to help save more wildlife

The death of a much loved Osprey that became tangled in discarded fishing line on the Fraser Coast has been the catalyst for a push to better support wildlife and rescue groups in the region.

A push to support wildlife and rescue groups was sparked by the tragic death of an Osprey bird that became tangled in discarded fishing line on the Fraser Coast.

The death of an Osprey that became fatally tangled in fishing line at the Fraser Coast has been a catalyst for a movement to further support wildlife and rescue groups in the region.

The mature bird, nicknamed Queenie, was found tangled in fishing line at the Urangan Pier recently and triggered the Fraser Coast Regional Council to install more rubbish bins and signs alerting people to call Fraser Coast Wildlife Rescue if they see an animal in danger.

The bird was found tangled in fishing line at Urangan Pier.

Councillor Paul Truscott said a discussion paper on how much Council will be involved in wildlife rescue will be released later in the year for community feedback.

“There is a growing community sentiment for Council to help with the rescue of injured wildlife,” Cr Truscott said.

“That help can best be provided by supporting the volunteer wildlife groups.

“Council staff have in the past helped clean up discarded fishing tackle from Round Island and rescue birds from trees that were tangled in fishing line.”

In addition to this, the council will donate $14,000 to the Wildlife Rescue Fraser Coast, the only primary wildlife rescue and response volunteer group in the region.

The volunteers provide 24/7 assistance and respond to an average of 100 calls a week to assist injured or distressed wildlife.

The funds are said to cover the purchase of laptop and mobile phone equipment, yearly internet and mobile plan and, fuel vouchers for wildlife carers and volunteers who transport the injured animals to help.

Originally published as How Queenie’s legacy could live on to help save more wildlife