July 30, 2014
The State Government will allow landholders to buy 1080 baits through local rural supply stores in an effort to step up the fight against pest animals, Agriculture Minister John McVeigh announced today.
The government will also introduce a pilot program in partnership with three councils in an effort to achieve greater compliance in pest animal control.
Mr McVeigh said the “common sense” changes would help graziers, councils and their communities fight the menace of wild dogs.
Until now, only public sector employees accredited by Queensland Health could provide 1080 baits to rural landholders.
“As of today, licensed retailers can apply to be approved to supply 1080 to landholders with a Bait User Permit, which landholders can now apply for from Biosecurity Queensland,” Mr McVeigh said.
“Over coming weeks, the new system will also allow contractors to apply to become approved 1080 providers.”
Mr McVeigh said Murweh and Paroo Shire Councils, and the Somerset Regional Council, would also participate in a new Wild Dog Compliance Pilot Project.
“Landholders have told me they’re sick of seeing their hard work go down the drain because of others who refuse to take any action to control wild dogs,” Mr McVeigh said.
“This pilot project will assist local councils to investigate complaints and to take action against landholders who are not actively controlling wild dogs.”
