RLPBs agitate to fumigate
Rural Lands Protection Boards (RLPBs) have successfully applied to carry out rabbit and fox fumigation on public land to increase the effectiveness of pest control programs carried out across the state.
WorkCover NSW has granted boards an exemption from regulations which now allows for fumigation to occur on all land in NSW including travelling stock routes, forests, parks and reserves as well as private property.
The exemption applies to both aluminium phosphide tablets used for static fumigation and the chemical cholorpicrin used for pressure fumigation.
State Council of RLPBs Pest Animal and Insect Manager, Tim Seears, said boards were now authorised to fumigate on public land as well as assist landholders with programs on their own property.
“The exemption also allows for boards to advise and demonstrate on site the safe and effective use of fumigants.
“Rabbits and foxes don’t discriminate between populating private and public land so coordinated control across the whole affected area is essential or the benefits of fumigation would only be very short lived.
“Efforts were also hampered by the limitations of an exemption issued in February which only allowed landholders to fumigate on their own property.
“Rangers and landholders can now work together to implement consistent and widespread fumigation activities.
“Rangers can also carry out fumigation for landholders who don’t have the appropriate training,” Tim Seears said.
Fumigation is particularly effective in places such as rocky outcrops, along fences and around trees where access is limited and for treating small isolated infestations.
It is also beneficial in places where warren ripping and destruction increases the risk of erosion and on properties where 1080 poison can’t be used.
RLPB rangers carrying out or demonstrating the use of fumigants have met all relevant chemical regulations and accreditation.
For further information contact your local Rural Lands Protection Board.
MEDIA CONTACT: Kelly Ingham (02) 6391 3242 Mob 0428 465 378