RLPBs promote safer use of pest chemicals
Rural Lands Protection Boards (RLPBs) are working to ensure the safe application of chemicals used to control pest animals by enforcing strict new provisions governing the use of 1080 pesticide.
Sodium fluoroacetate known as 1080 is a restricted chemical product commonly used to control wild dogs, foxes, rabbits and feral pigs.
RLPBs will soon make it mandatory for people wishing to obtain 1080 to prove they have the relevant chemical handling accreditation.
This move will coincide with the release of a new Pesticide Control Order for 1080 liquid concentrate and bait products by the Department of Environment and Climate Change.
State Council of RLPBs Pest Animal Manager, Tim Seears, said the changes would help to improve the safe use of baits and minimise the risk to non-target animals.
“The new order states that landholders seeking to use 1080 should hold the appropriate chemical accreditation card and certificate of competency before being issued with baits.
“To help achieve compliance with the Pesticides Act and in the interests of safety, Boards will be making this a mandatory requirement.
“This will ensure that those responsible for laying the baits have undertaken the relevant training to handle and use the appropriate amounts of chemical correctly.
“This should minimise the risk of contaminating feed and harming non-target animals including livestock, pets and native animals,” Tim Seears said.
The new pesticide control order brings NSW in line with other states regarding the use and application of restricted chemical products.
It also brings much greater continuity to regulations governing the use of 1080 as the legislation encompasses all seven previous 1080 pest control orders for liquid concentrate and baits for wild dogs, foxes, rabbits and feral pigs.
As well as being the only frontline suppliers of 1080 chemical in NSW, RLPBs have also provided crucial input into the legislation to help ensure the chemical could be applied easily and effectively at a practical level.
The new 1080 pesticide control order also covers conditions including distance restrictions, signage, storage, transportation, public notification, disposal and environmental protection.
For further information or to obtain 1080 pest control products contact your local Rural Lands Protection Board.
MEDIA CONTACT: Kelly Ingham (02) 6391 3242 Mob 0428 465 378