The number's up for feral animals as Council's 1080 baiting program rolls out

Scenic Rim property owners on larger land holdings have been urged to join the fight against the spread of invasive animals which not only pose a threat to livestock but also native wildlife and pets. 

Council is set to roll out its feral animal baiting program in mid-September 2024 and is asking landowners who have not participated in the past two years to register their interest by 30 August.   

The program uses sodium fluoroacetate baits, more commonly known as 1080. 1080 is registered for the control of wild dogs, feral pigs, feral cats, foxes and wild rabbits in Queensland.   A baiting program can be undertaken in conjunction with other forms of control such as trapping, shooting and exclusion fencing. 

Scenic Rim's Biodiversity and Agribusiness Portfolio Councillor Marshall Chalk, a fourth-generation cattle farmer at Carney's Creek, has participated in the baiting program and urged other landowners to get behind it for the benefit of the wider region. 

"Feral animals represent a significant cost to our economy through livestock losses, the spread of disease and the measures needed to control them," he said. 

"There's also the immeasurable cost to our environment, through the impact of feral species on native plants and wildlife, and the distress caused to residents who have suffered the loss of a much-loved pet which has been taken by a wild dog or fox. 

"Under the Biosecurity Act 2014, all property owners are responsible for minimising the risks on land under their control posed by wild dogs, foxes, feral pigs, and feral deer which are classed as restricted invasive animals." 

These are all animals that cannot be moved, kept (if a dingo or fox), fed, given away, sold or released into the environment without a permit. 

Coordination with neighbouring properties to ensure the maximum number of feral animals in an area are exposed to the baiting program will help to increase its effectiveness. 

“Quite simply, the more people we have participating in this program, the more successful it will be," Cr Chalk said.

“This program is about protecting the spectacular natural beauty of our region as well as our primary production, which are vital to our local rural economy." 

Landowners who are interested in participating in Council's baiting program, and have not taken part in the past two years, are asked to register by 30 August 2024 by phoning 07 5540 5111.