Industry news

Red Card for Rabbits and Foxes seeks local coordinators

Local coordinators are being sought to run fox and rabbit control programs across the agricultural region, where these destructive pests cause environmental and agricultural damage of up to $230 million every year. Local communities are encouraged to register their district for the Stockbrands Community fox shoots, with $5 donation to the Royal Flying Doctors Service being made for every fox or feral cat shot at registered shoots on the nominated weekends of February 24-26 and March 23-25, 2012.

Autumn baiting programs are extremely effective in managing pests at a landscape scale for a longer-term impact, and local coordinators help to maximise landholder efforts by encouraging a community effort.

“It’s phenomenal the amount of pests we can cull when we work together,” Fitzgerald Biosphere Group Coordinator Jenni Loveland explained. “The farmers here really appreciate having someone to organise their efforts and build the enthusiasm - it’s a great reason to come together; I think everyone gets a real buzz from it.”

Landholders taking a coordinated pest-control approach across the landscape has resulted in reports of increased lambing percentages and regular sightings of native animals and plants once thought locally-extinct.

A coordinated approach to the control of foxes and rabbits is essential. Significant resources are available to support local coordinators and interested landholders for baiting and shooting activities. For more information, contact Project Manager Shahan Hobson on 0459 301 284 or visit www.redcard.net.au

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