Register your interest for short 1080 and Pindone course
Rangers from the Tablelands Livestock Health and Pest Authority are reminding landholders of the requirement to hold appropriate accreditation to undertake fox baiting with 1080 products.
In 2010 the LHPAs encouraged landholders to attend new shorter training courses which allowed them to legally use 1080 and Pindone baits on their properties.
Tablelands LHPA senior ranger, Mark McGaw says the authority has recently conducted several training courses and is looking to expand the training further throughout the authority.
"We are now seeking interest from landholders in the Blayney area to see whether there is enough demand for a course to be held there," he said.
"There are clear benefits for landholders in completing the new short course.
"Any landholder who wants to use 1080 or Pindone baits to control pest animals and does not have a current AQF3 certificate should attend the course, as it will allow them to use these bait products on their properties.
"The course only takes a few hours to complete. With lamb and mutton prices so high this season, landholders could potentially save thousands of dollars by carrying out an effective fox control program."
The poisons 1080 and Pindone play a vital role in keeping pest animal number under control. Recent studies have found pest animals cost agriculture in excess of $720 million annually.
The 1080 Pesticide Control Order gazetted in 2008 restricted the supply of 1080 to persons holding a minimum AQF3 chemical accreditation, but many landholders failed to meet this requirement.
"We are hoping to see increased participation in baiting programs as a result of the new course," said Mr McGaw.
The course will cost $22 for Tablelands LHPA ratepayers. Those completing the course will be issued a certification card and will remain accredited to use 1080 and Pindone for five years.
To register your interest in attending a Blayney baiting course contact the Bathurst office on 6331 1377.
Media contact: Mark McGaw 0428 484 674