Collaborative pest program assists landholders

The Cumberland Livestock Health and Pest Authority and Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment Management Authority have teamed up to deliver another project aimed at reducing pest populations in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.

The project was initiated in 2010 and involves feral pig and wild dog control in the Bindook Highlands area. Control methods include trapping and baiting, while data from remote game camera monitoring is also utilised to aid control efforts. 

Charlie Signorelli, Cumberland LHPA ranger, says the project has been successful in removing wild dogs, feral pigs and other pest animals from the area, benefiting landholders in the Bindook Highlands and adjoining regions.

"The project is still ongoing, however to date our predator control works have yielded 47 feral pigs, 14 wild dogs, 32 foxes, 13 feral goats and 2 deer," he said.

"Encouragingly there have been no new stock losses reported since the project was initiated.

"While it’s difficult to assess at this early stage, we are also hopeful that the project will result in threat minimisation to native fauna and flora and subsequently an increase in local biodiversity.

"Another important outcome of project has been the recruitment of community support and cooperation in relation to controlling pests and passing on monitoring information relating to movement corridors.

"The total number of landholders participating in the project has now grown to 22."

The project is due to be completed by the end of June. It has been jointly funded by the Cumberland LHPA and the Hawkesbury-Nepean CMA, with funds from the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country program. In-kind contributions have been provided by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Kanangra Area.

For more information on the project contact Charlie Signorelli on 0418 241 251.

Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378