9 Look out there are native animals about This winter, Gold Coasters are being urged to slow down on our roads and keep a look out to help protect native animals. As well as a longer dusk and dawn, koalas and other native animals have their breeding seasons in late-winter to summer and during this time are more mobile, so drivers are being asked to be extra vigilant for wildlife. “Our native animals are important residents of the Gold Coast and we need to give them a helping hand,” Mayor Tom Tate said. “Vehicle strikes are among the greatest threats to koalas and other native animals, so we ask everyone to take extra care by slowing down, being vigilant, and giving the wildlife the space they need. “Through the Our Natural City Strategy 2032, we are committed to protecting the natural beauty of the City and our koalas and other native animals are a vital part of that.” The City has a number of road management and habitat initiatives to help protect native animals including: • Installing flashing wildlife signs • Installing fauna fencing • Buying and protecting land for native animal habitat • Providing Wildcare with an animal ambulance • Restoring native habitat through tree planting During their breeding season, koalas and other native animals are more mobile, which increases the chance they will cross a road or venture into areas close to humans and pets. Echidnas are among the first native animals to begin their breeding season and can be seen from midwinter moving about in “echidna trains”, making them vulnerable to vehicle strike. Motorists and pedestrians should call Wildcare on 07 5527 2444 if they see an animal injured or in distress. Deceased animals can be reported to the City on 07 5667 5976. Wildcare will make sure injured animals are transported safely to places like Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, where they will be treated, rehabilitated and released back into the wild. Lemon Meringue Tarts • 2 ½ sheets frozen shortcrust pastry, thawed • 1 cup water • ½ cup lemon juice • ½ cup sugar • ¼ cup cornflour • 2 egg yolks • 30g butter • 1 finely grated lemon zest • 2 egg whites • 1/3 cup caster sugar • 1 tsp vinegar or lemon juice Prep 20m | Cook 15m | Makes 12 Preheat oven to hot, 200C. Lightly grease each recess of a (1/4 cup) muffin pan. Using a 10cm cutter, cut 12 rounds from pastry. Ease pastry into prepared pans. Chill for 15 minutes. Prick bases and bake for 5-10 mins. Meanwhile, combine water, lemon juice, sugar and cornflour in a saucepan, until smooth. Bring to boil, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens. Reduce heat and simmer for 3 mins. Stir in yolks, butter and rind and allow to cool slightly. Spoon into prepared cases, leveling top. Chill until firm. To make the meringue, in a clean, dry bowl, using an electric mixer, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating until sugar dissolves and foam is stiff, thick and glossy. Beat in vinegar. Increase oven to very hot (220C). Dollop meringue roughly over filling in each tart. Bake for 4-5 mins until lightly browned. Allow to cool and store in an airtight container. Distributed to homes in Helensvale, Oxenford, Hope Island, Santa Barbara, Monterey Keys or pick up a copy from Helensvale Plaza, Helensvale Spar, Oxenford Square, Maudsland Supermarket, Studio Village Community Centre, Oxenford Community Centre, Oxenford Pharmacy, Westfield Helensvale.... Advertise in Division 2 Local Newsletter today! Your Local Newsletters www.localnewsletters.com For info call Geoff 0411 134 507 / 5527 0314 Get Your Message Across to Your Local Target Market!
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