Register your interest for Cumberland 1080 and Pindone course

Rangers from the Cumberland Livestock Health and Pest Authority are encouraging landholders in the Hawkesbury and Penrith regions to register for the short training courses which will allow them to legally use 1080 and Pindone baits on their properties.

The new courses were run by the Cumberland LHPA throughout 2010 and will continue to be run throughout the authority in 2011 – including the Hawkesbury and Penrith areas – whenever there is sufficient interest from local landholders.

Cumberland LHPA ranger, Steve Parker says there are clear benefits for landholders in completing the short course.

"Any landholder who wants to control pest animals such as rabbits and foxes and does not have a current AQF3 certificate should attend the course. It will allow them to use 1080 and Pindone bait products on their properties – providing landholders can meet set pesticide distance restrictions," Mr Parker said.

"The course only takes a few hours to complete, and gives landholders a clear understanding of 1080 and Pindone use and their legal obligations."

The poisons 1080 and Pindone play a vital role in keeping pest animal numbers under control. Studies have found pest animals cost agriculture in excess of $720 million annually.

The 1080 Pesticide Control Order restricts the supply of 1080 to persons holding a minimum AQF3 chemical accreditation or other training specified in the PCO. For those landholders who did not hold AQF accreditation, the LHPA offered a new short course in 2010 approved by the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW to enable landholders to legally use 1080 and Pindone.

Based on its uptake in 2010, the training course will again be delivered by LHPA rangers in 2011 and will cover topics such as baiting techniques, toxicity, storage, transport, legislation and OH&S.

The course will cost $44. Those completing the course will be issued a certification card and remain accredited to use 1080 and Pindone for five years.

To register interest in attending a course or for more information contact the Camden office on 4655 9165.

Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378