The acquisition of drones is expected to help a local conservation group’s wildlife rescue efforts.
The equipment, made possible by Unitywater’s Healthy and Thriving Community Grants Program, should help Wildlife Noosa spot and save injured, trapped and at-risk animals.
Wildlife Noosa founder and chief rescue officer Will Watson said the two machines would be instrumental in expanding their capability to protect local wildlife.
“We rescue all animals including turtles, koalas, possums, bats and snakes – all local to the region,” he said.
“Our team conducted over 2000 wildlife rescues last year alone, and the drones will help boost this number and locate animals we may not have otherwise known needed assistance.
“They’ll also help keep volunteers safe, because we can properly plan the best route to access them where there is difficult terrain or flooding to navigate.”
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Unitywater chief executive officer Anna Jackson joined some of the volunteers at Noosa River to see the drones in action, and learn how they will be used to track down injured wildlife.
She said the organisation was pleased to support local initiatives that enhance the region’s liveability and sustainability.
“Wildlife Noosa is deeply committed to protecting the extraordinary diversity of wildlife that makes this region special and we are pleased to support them extend this work,” she said.
“Our Healthy and Thriving Community Grants Program supports across three areas: natural environment and liveability, First Nations peoples and connection to country, and innovation and the future of water.
“Unitywater exists to support healthy and thriving communities and, beyond vital water and wastewater services, our grants strengthen community connections and support a sustainable future for us all.”
Unitywater’s 2025-26 grants program is also supporting The Bribie Island Environmental Protection Association deliver hands-on conservation activities that protect the island’s endangered loggerhead and green turtles, and Hinterland Bush Links to expand wildlife corridors across the Sunshine Coast hinterland to connect vital habitat so native species can move, feed and flourish.
Unitywater will open applications for its 2026-27 Healthy and Thriving Community Grants Program in the coming weeks.
