Feral pigs and wild dogs have been well recognised at both State
and National levels as significant problems through out Australia
and this project is designed at implementing strategies such as the
Queensland
pest animal strategy 2002-2006. It will develop
a regional management program through the coordination of the
individual Council control programs to increase the effectiveness
of the management of feral pigs and wild dogs in the region,
including liaison and integration with FNQ Region program. This
will be achieved through coordinating control methodologies and
timing of control regimes throughout the HESROC region, to ensure a
systematic and effective program is achieved to reduce the numbers
of feral pigs and wild dogs. A field officer will be employed to
liaise with the Councils to coordinate the management programs and
increase the participation of landholders in the control
programs.
The project will also build capacity not only amongst Council
staff but landholders and other stakeholders in the management of
feral pigs and wild dogs through education, workshops and case
studies. Workshops and field days will be held for all stakeholders
to increase their understanding of feral pig and wild dog best
practice management techniques, mapping and developing and
implementing coordinated programs and their responsibilities under
the Land Protection ( Pest and Stock Route Management) Act
2002.
Identification and accurate mapping of feral pig and wild dog
locations and numbers including the development of a database where
information on the numbers of pest animals trapped and trap/control
method strategies can be collated will be utilised and
information/data supplied to the FNQROC Feral Pig Project and the
Burdekin Dry Tropics NRM Group.
The field officer will trial different trap types, management
methodologies and effectiveness in ecosystems/land management
areas to determine the most suitable management programs for each
area. Data will be gathered and provided to the FNQ Project Officer
and other stakeholders to improve information sharing and increase
knowledge on management programs. Locations and numbers of feral
pigs and wild dogs will be mapped throughout the project.
The project will deliver a case study which sets out procedures,
outcomes and best practice techniques learned throughout the
project. This case study can then be utilised to provide on going
information and capacity within the region and also utilised by
other regions to develop their own coordinated control/education
programs.
An indigenous officer will also be trained during the project
with the intent that the skills that this officer attains can be
utilised by the indigenous communities and Councils in feral animal
management and in the review of pest management plans.
This project will enhance and complement the Wet Tropics Pig
Management Program and the CWP Feral Pig projects at Sarina and
Proserpine through collaboration and information sharing including
research support.
Project update:
This project is not yet operational.
Key references
Queensland
pest animal strategy 2002-2006