News & Media

New community approach to pest management in the Northern Agricultural Region

Released on

Released on:
Tuesday, 21. May 2019 - 9:00

Wild dogs, feral pigs and cactus are in the spotlight for strengthened community control efforts in the Northern Agricultural Region.

The Northern Biosecurity Group (NBG) covers the Shires of Chapman Valley and Northampton, along with the Mullewa area within the City of Greater Geraldton, with a current focus on wild dogs, feral pigs and cactus.

The NBG is consulting with landholders in its area for a Declared Pest Rate to support priority biosecurity activities.

The group is one of 14 Recognised Biosecurity Groups operating across Western Australia to coordinate local control and funding efforts against priority declared pests, supported by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

Department Director of Invasive Species Victoria Aitken said community-led control was vital to successfully managing established pests and added value to control efforts by landholders.

“These groups are recognised under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act (2007), which means they can access funding for control of declared pests through a Declared Pest Rate.

“This mechanism provides the opportunity to attract matching funding from the State Government.”

The NBG has been engaging with landholders about pest management priorities.

Northern Biosecurity Group Executive Officer Marieke Jansen said the group had already made some great achievements over the past 18 months.

“The Declared Pest Rate will support ongoing, coordinated pest control in the NBG region,” Ms Jansen said.

“We are working with four local Licensed Pest Management Technicians (LPMTs) to manage wild dogs inside the State Barrier Fence and engaging with landholders on effective wild dog control to reduce attacks on livestock.

“The NBG has assisted landholders on 155 properties to obtain a current Restricted Chemical Permit, enabling landholders to attend one of our community baiting days where they can pick up their 1080 products for safe declared animal pest control work on their farms.”

NBG Chair Jason Batten said biosecurity groups were a smart and sustainable approach to pest management, which also had sound environmental outcomes.

“All sectors working together to combat local pests means we deliver the most cost effective and unified approach to regional issues,” Mr Batten said.

“It is up to us as land managers to take care of our land.”

The consultation period closes 19 June.

More information about Recognised Biosecurity Groups and Declared Pest Rates is available on the website here.

Baits on a rack
Making meat baits for wild dogs, at a recent community baiting day organised by the Northern Biosecurity Group.
Members of a declared pest management meeting
A recent Northern Biosecurity Group-organised meeting to discuss declared pest management including wild dogs and feral pigs.

Media contacts: Jodie Thomson, media liaison   +61 (0)8 9368 3937