The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and Parks Victoria will be implementing a baiting program during April to target rabbits and foxes in and around Lake Bael Bael and the Avoca Marshes, Reedy Lakes, Gunbower Forest and along selected sections of Gunbower Creek.  The baiting program is being undertaken in an effort to reduce the impact these pests have on the natural environment and to protect their Ramsar site values.

Baiting will occur within infestation ‘hot spot’ areas as identified by the local community at workshops held in Kerang and Cohuna in February.  These ‘hot spots’ support the North Central CMA’s spotlight monitoring program undertaken earlier this year in partnership with Parks Victoria. 

According to Trent Gibson, project manager for the North Central CMA, baiting is used to reduce pest animal populations to immediately lessen their impact. Trent also acknowledged that while the proposed April program may reduce fox and rabbit numbers, the only way to reduce populations to a manageable level is through an ongoing management and monitoring program. The North Central CMA, Parks Victoria, DSE and DPI are currently working together to secure ongoing funding for such a program.

“The main bait used is ‘1080’, a registered classified agricultural poison.  For more than fifty years ‘1080’ has proven to be an efficient, economic, environmentally safe and species-selective poison to control pest animals,” Trent said.

“However, we know that baiting alone will not completely control rabbits and foxes; rather it forms one part of an integrated management program.”

There is a range of legislative, administrative and operational safeguards that have been developed to ensure that ‘1080’ is used appropriately to meet the pest management, environmental and safety objectives of the community.

Community members are reminded to take care when entering areas where baiting programs are being undertaken.  Signs will be located at the entrances to Gunbower Forest and wetlands to indicate areas where bait has been laid.  Members of the community should also closely supervise or restrain any pets in these areas, particularly cats and dogs, to minimise risk.

Landholders adjoining public land where baiting will occur will be notified in writing prior to commencement.

Pest plant and animal management is part of the of the Kerang Ramsar-listed Wetlands project and the Gunbower Ramsar site project funded through the Federal Government’s Caring for our Country Program.

For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551
t: 03 5448 7124
e: info@nccma.vic.gov.au