Regent Honeyeaters Release

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Regional Transport and Roads)—Congratulations to all involved in the recent release of Regent Honeyeaters in the Hunter Valley. The Regent Honeyeater was once a common sight in the Lower Hunter. Habitat destruction has sadly led to the songbird now being listed as one of Australia's most critically endangered birds. To boost numbers, 49 zoo-bred Regent Honeyeaters have been released on Wonnarua country recently in the Tomalpin Woodlands. More than 200 zoo-bred Regent Honeyeaters have now been released in NSW and the third large-scale release on Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council land. The latest release involved the Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, BirdLife Australia and Local Land Services. This release is vital to the bird's survival and members of the public can help by reporting sightings to BirdLife Australia who will then track the survival and movements of the released birds. Two years ago there was estimated to be only 250 to 350 regent honeyeaters left in the wild. Since that time there have been over 500 birds bred in captivity with over 300 released into temperate woodland and open forests. Thank you to all who are working so hard to ensure the Regent Honeyeaters survival.