Invasive pest animals and plants present a serious threat to the agriculture and lifestyle of the Lockyer Valley. Landholders have a responsibility under the Biosecurity Act (2014) to control prohibited and restricted (pest animals and plants) matter on their land.
What you can do
- Learn more about the problem, act responsibly and effectively. For information about:
What Council can do to help
Council can assist landholders through a number of programs:
- Scheduled wild dog, pig and fox 1080 baiting
- Trap hire
- Subsidised herbicide
- Spray equipment hire
- Community Pest Management Groups
Council can also provide advice in the most effective way to use herbicide, traps and baits through regular workshops and field days. Check our events page regularly for upcoming events.
Vertebrate Pest 1080 Baiting Program
Council advises that the next vertebrate pest 1080 baiting program commences on 10 October 2018.
Lockyer Valley Regional Council is conducting a vertebrate pest baiting program throughout the region in an effort to control wild dogs, pigs and foxes and would like to invite landholders that qualify to apply and order their manufactured dry baits.
Education on the use of manufactured dry baits will be provided on collection.
Bait collection will take place on:
Wednesday, 10 October 2018, 10am-11am, Gatton Saleyard
Wednesday, 10 October 2018, 3pm-4pm, Springbrook Park, Withcott
Thursday, 11 October 2018, 10am-11am, Mulgowie Cricket Grounds
Thursday, 11 October 2018, 3pm-4pm, Junction View Hall
The following qualifying criteria apply:
Baits
Notification
· Steps neighbours must take to prevent domestic dog access to baits
· Dates of the proposed baiting
Random audits may be conducted to monitor compliance with requirements by State and Local Government
For further information, other restrictions and conditions, please refer to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries website - www.daf.qld.gov.au
In order to obtain free baits, participants must apply to Council for the number of baits they require by:
4:30pm, Tuesday 2 October 2018
Bait orders will not be taken after this date.
Further information about the requirements of the program can be obtained by contacting council on 1300 005 872.
Ian Church
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
The Vertebrate Pest 1080 Baiting Program is provided quarterly. You can order baits by calling customer service on 1300 005 872 or online through the online services portal.
Program dates for 2017/18 are as follows:
| | | |
| October 4 & 5 | Feb 28, March 1 | May 9 & 10 | July 18 & 19 |
| Orders taken between | | | |
Rabbits
Rabbits are becoming an increasingly destructive pest in the Lockyer Valley. Recent surveys have shown that the spread of rabbits into the region is worse than first thought and their impact on horticulture is already affecting farmers. For more information about how Council is involved and what you can do to help this problem, please visit our Rabbit Information page.
Herbicide Subsidy
Council has identified 13 invasive weeds currently active or of alert under the Biosecurity Act 2014. To assist landholders in controlling the invasive species, appropriate herbicide is available at a subsidised rate.
The active species identified include:
Grasses and Woody Weeds
Giant Rats Tail Grass Fireweed Mother of Millions Parthenium Weed Annual Ragweed
Groundsel Bush African Boxthorn Harrisia Cactus Chilean needle grass* Honey Locust*
Aquatic Weeds
Salvinia Water Hyacinth Water Lettuce
*weed of alert
To access herbicide at a subsidised rate, contact the Environment and Pest team to arrange a site visit by one of our experienced pest officers who will assist with invasive weed identification, the appropriate available herbicide and the best methods and times to effectively treat the pest weed.
During the site visit, a voucher will be issued for the appropriate herbicide and quantity that can be redeemed at one of three local retailers. Currently, the subsidy amount is 50% of retail value.
Spray Trailer and Equipment Hire
Trailer mounted spray equipment, ute-back skid units and backpack spray kits are available for loan through a community pest management hire arrangement. A security deposit and loan agreement is required to secure the necessary equipment, this can be arranged by downloading and completing the attached forms and contacting Environment and Pest to secure the next available date.
Trap Hire
Council can provide you with traps for dogs, foxes, pigs, cats and rabbits. A small security deposit is required to access this service.
Community Pest Management Groups
Council can assist interested landholders to establish localised pest management groups within their neighbourhoods to share information and take a collaborative approach to managing pest weeds and animals. For more information, please contact the Environment and Pest team.
Fire Ants
Fire Ants are a risk to the economic and agricultural status of the Lockyer Valley. Residents and businesses are urged to be aware of the current status of the Fire Ant program and the effects it has on homes, businesses and agricultural production.
Further information can be found on the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries website.
Indian Mynas
Indian Mynas (Acridotheras tristis) are a member of the starling family and were introduced into Australia to control insect pests in market gardens. They are now prevalent in many parts of eastern Australia and are commonly associated with urban or developing areas.
For more information about Indian Mynas, you can refer to the RSPCA website.