And this drinks delivery had a difference: it came courtesy of Park Air, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) helicopter. 

The water delivery was part of efforts to regenerate the seabird habitat on Big Island, where 5000 native seedlings have been planted over the past few months.

And with 10,000 seedlings to be planted next year, NPWS ranger Rowena Morris said water will be vital.

“The containers will stay on the island til next winter and provide the only source of fresh water at the site,” Dr Morris said.

“The water is needed to help grow the seedlings [planted] following extensive weed control on the island that is home to Little Penguins and shearwaters.

“The survival of these seabirds is threatened by coastal morning glory and kikuyu grass. These weeds trap the seabirds in their underground burrows or wrap around their wings preventing them from flying away or feeding their chicks.”

Funding from the NSW Government’s Environmental Trust and the Port Kembla Community Investment Fund has allowed the habitat rehabilitation project to expand to 5 hectares, or nearly a quarter of the Big Island Nature Reserve. 

“Volunteers from Menai Wildflower Group recently provided 1500 seedlings grown from locally-collected seed,” Dr Morris said.

“Friends of Five Islands volunteers have also been busy planting the native seedlings under the guidance of Berrim Nuru Environmental Management Services.”

NPWS thanked NSW Marine Rescue for its patrols during the operation.