Transport and Main Roads is continuing its efforts to reduce cassowary vehicle strikes with the launch of its 2025/2026 behaviour change campaign.
From 21 September 2025, roadside billboards will be installed on the Bruce Highway near Tully and Innisfail, supported by a series of targeted social media posts. The campaign will run in two phases:
- September–November 2025
- March–May 2026
These periods align with peak drive tourism seasons, when traffic on Far North Queensland roads is at its busiest.
Importantly, during the previous 2024/2025 campaign, there were no reported cassowary strikes on or near state-controlled roads. This result highlights the positive impact of ongoing awareness initiatives and the importance of continued community vigilance.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has confirmed that it remains committed to working closely with the Cassowary Recovery Team and local conservation partners to protect both cassowaries and motorists in particular delivering the Cassowary Conservation Management Plan.
Why it matters
Vehicle strikes remain one of the most serious threats to the endangered Southern Cassowary. Raising driver awareness and encouraging safer driving in cassowary country plays a vital role in ensuring the survival of the species.
How you can help
- Stay alert: Look for cassowaries on or beside the road, particularly near rainforest habitat like Mission Beach
- Slow down: Reduce your speed in known cassowary crossing zones
- Spread the word: Share campaign messages with friends and family travelling through the region
- Report all sightings: https://cassowaryconservation.org/sighting/