Water stations to help native wildlife

Published: 12 Feb 2021 11:30am

Wagga Wagga residents who live near a local nature reserve are being given a unique opportunity to help native wildlife during droughts and extreme hot weather.

Wagga Wagga City Council has partnered with Water for Wildlife to trial the use of portable water stations to provide native animals with access to water during severe heat and drought.

Council has 18 water stations to distribute to residents willing to fill and maintain a 15L water station.

Environmental Officer Samantha Pascall said Council is reaching out to community members to get involved in this worthwhile project.

“This is a fantastic project to get involved with and Council will assist participants along the way,” Ms Pascall said.

“We’re suggesting certain areas around the city for the trial so anyone living near those reserves and who are interested in getting involved are encouraged to apply through our Expression of Interest on Council’s website.”

Those areas where the water stations will be located include:

• Willans Hill
• Rocky Hill Reserve
• Birramal Conservation Area
• Silvalite Reserve
• Best Reserve, Ashmont

Ms Pascall said the project would be best suited to residents who live close to the nature reserves.

“Residents will need to be prepared to manage a Water for Wildlife station during summer, periods of drought and extreme heat events,” she said.

The commitment to the project involves:

• filling the unit using a garden hose on your property
• carrying the unit to a suitable location in the nature reserve, which may be some distance from your available water source
• refreshing water at least weekly when in use

For more information and to register your interest go to the website at wagga.nsw.gov.au/waterforwildlife