Time to scratch out ferals



Wednesday 27 July 2011

Time to scratch out ferals

Feral animals and noxious weeds within Queensland’s parks and forests are to hopefully become threatened species with the announcement of a State Government funding programme.

Feral pigs, foxes and goats, along with weeds, will be targeted in a $4.5 million eradication package across the state announced by Environment Minister Vicky Darling.

Ms Darling said invaders like feral cats and pigs and invasive plants have caused immense damage to fragile Queensland habitats.

"The main pest animals being targeted include wild dogs, feral pigs, goats, deer, cats and foxes,” she said.

"We'll also put the brakes on a wide range of invasive plants such as Siam weed, prickly acacia, Mexican bean tree, rubber vine, lantana and pond apple.

"It's critical that we control and - where possible - eradicate these threats to our native plants and animals.

"Pest animals and plants already have a serious adverse economic, environmental and social impact across our precious rural landscape.”

Ms Darling said the Department of Environment and Resource Management was working closely with property owners and other members of the rural community, as well as local government and other agencies to tackle the pests.

"All landholders need to work together to meet this challenge,” she said.

Destruction to landscapes within the Douglas region by feral pigs has been an ongoing issue in the Douglas region for decades with a pig trapper being employed by local government authorities to help control numbers.

More recently, claims of feral cats inhabiting domestic areas have come to light, with a local couple admitted to hospital after an encounter with a feral cat at their Newell Beach property left them with deep scratches and bite marks.