Camille Palmer, UGL’s Senior Environmental Advisor, is leading the company’s support for the Saving Our Native Animals (SONA) charity during construction work in Kosciuszko National Park, NSW.
UGL is working in the area on the Maragle switchyard and overhead transmission lines for the Snowy 2.0 Transmission Connection Project (STCP). This project has an important role in connecting Snowy Hydro 2.0 to the National Electricity Market (NEM).
SONA Wildlife Rescue, a volunteer run nonprofit organisation, focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife. Since February 2024, Camille has collaborated closely with SONA and our customer Lumea to ensure prompt care for fauna in the area.
UGL supports SONA through several initiatives:
- Material donations: Surplus building materials, such as timber and steel from construction activities, are donated to SONA. These materials aid in constructing additional animal enclosures at SONA's release property near Tumbarumba, supporting their rehabilitation efforts.
- Fundraising Activities: Organising fundraising events, such as through on site BBQs.
- Environmental contribution: Participating in the Return and Earn Scheme, collecting and recycling 10 cent containers from our worksite to benefit SONA.
The funds raised for SONA will also help contribute towards building a triage clinic and the purchase of formula for the animals.
"Our Australian wildlife is unique and every effort to protect them matters. Witnessing UGL's support and SONA's success drives me to strive harder as an environmental professional and inspire others with that same passion." Camille Palmer, Senior Environmental Advisor, UGL.
Our positive relationship with SONA, and active support for its initiatives, is an example of UGL’s company-wide commitment to environmental management and community engagement.