Working with groups on pests pays dividends

The Central North Livestock Health and Pest Authority encourages landholders to consider their neighbours when carrying out pest animal control on their properties.

Mudgee based Central North LHPA ranger Mal Leeson, says the LHPA is working with several groups, that were formed for many purposes in the Mudgee and Merriwa areas, with the aim of using resources in the most efficient and effective way. 

"The great thing about groups is once they are formed, they are able to target many different issues and they are not limited to pest animals alone," he said.

"Wild Dog Associations are a great example of how landholders with a common interest can band together to suppress a common problem. LHPA rangers work closely with each association, comprised of landholder representatives, to develop the wild dog control strategy. This gives landholders the opportunity to have direct input into the program.

"Once established, the associations report stock losses and wild dog activity to the LHPA on a regular basis. This allows the rangers to target reactive control programs in wild dog affected areas."

Mr Leeson said the Wild Dog Steering Committee is another example of how a group of landholders can improve pest animal control by working collaboratively.

"In this instance, crown land managers, wild dog association representatives and the LHPA liaise to manage funds to employ wild dog trappers in known problem areas. Since the formation of the group, 53 wild dogs have been removed from around problem areas during organised programs," Mr Leeson said.

With the recent changes to pesticide legislation, landholders must either have a current AQF3 chemical card or have successfully completed the new LHPA 1080/Pindone training to enable them to obtain 1080 or Pindone baits.

"The Central North LHPA has delivered the new short course to approximately 310 land managers, many of whom are part of local groups," said Mr Leeson.

Mr Leeson said fox baiting carried out as a group is an excellent way to minimise the quantity of bait required on one property which in turn saves on the expense incurred.

"Fox baiting as a group also ensures that poisoned baits are present in the field for shorter periods limiting the exposure to domestic animals such as working dogs," he said.

Landholders interested in setting up pest control groups in their area are urged to contact their local LHPA ranger.

Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378