Tab for failed emu tracking project ran to $70,000
THE 18-month emu tracking trial, which was cancelled after just two months, cost the New South Wales and Australian governments about $70,000.
The Daily Examiner revealed yesterday Roads and Maritime Services had to cut the study short after three emus were found dead and another three injured by tracking devices.
The trial was part of the Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Hwy upgrade project, started in November and was canned this month.
A Biodiversity Connectivity Strategy has been prepared as part of the EIS to identify a number of measures to manage potential impacts on the coastal emu population.
"RMS will review the options on tracking studies and consider what other studies can be carried out," an RMS spokeswoman said.
The spokeswoman said additional studies would also be done before building started, such as trialling fence openings and monitoring of emu movements which could lead to further modifications to the upgrade where feasible.
