As our urban areas grow so do the number of reports from rural landholders experiencing issues with invasive weeds and pests such as foxes, rabbits and wild dogs.
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All of which have devastating impacts on native species, livestock and domestic pets.
The challenge requires a joint effort from primary producers and large-lot rural landholders – even people who have properties as small as half a hectare.
Despite more and more people moving onto these smaller lifestyle blocks the need to bridge the city-country divide remains.
Engaging these semi-rural communities, to help them meet their responsibilities, is the only way we can tackle weeds and pest animal control. Hunter Local Land Services wants to work with these communities, to help them understand their biosecurity responsibilities, and help reduce the incursion of feral species into urban areas.
In partnership with local councils, Hunter LLS will be hosting a series of workshops in 2018 to reach out to these residents.
We understand not everyone living on the fringe of local towns may be rural producers but we want to help them manage pest animals and weeds to safeguard the region’s valuable agricultural sector and our natural environments.
Many people who move to rural lifestyle blocks may not be aware of the threats posed by pest animals and weeds, and we want to help them understand their responsibilities as landowners under recent biosecurity reforms. Our region is only growing and we all need to work together to protect Australia’s clean, green image.
The events are funded by Hunter Catchment Contributions, which are paid by all local government ratepayers in the region.
Residents can come along to one of our workshops and hear from the council’s weed officer about problem weeds in their area, and best control methods.
They can even bring weeds from their property and we will identify them and offer management solutions. Our biosecurity rangers and district veterinarian will also explain your responsibilities in controlling pest animals and reporting livestock diseases.
There will also be opportunities to join local control programs for wild dogs, foxes and rabbits. The next workshop is being held with Port Stephens Council at Salt Ash on Monday, February 26.
RSVPs are essential for this event. For more information please contact Carolyn Jenkinson on 4355 8205 or 0408 162 174.
