Unitywater Chief Executive Officer, Anna Jackson, joined Wildlife Noosa volunteers at Noosa River to see the drones in action first-hand and learn how they will be used to track down injured wildlife.
Ms Jackson 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,” Ms Jackson 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,” she said.
“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.”
Wildlife Noosa Founder and Chief Rescue Officer, Will Watson, said Unitywater’s grant 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,” Mr Watson said.
“Our team conducted over 2,000 wildlife rescues last year alone, and the drones will help boost this number and locate animals we may not have otherwise known needed assistance,” he said.
“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.”
Unitywater’s 2025-26 grants program is also supporting The Bribie Island Environmental Protection Association deliver hands on conservation activities that protect Bribie 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. For more information visit our grants page.
