PESTS GIVEN FLICK IN WIDE BAY/FRASER COAST NATIONAL PARKS

Pest-affected national parks and forests in Wide Bay/Fraser Coast are showing signs of recovery thanks to the Beattie Government’s three-year $6 million allocation for pest control and fire management.

Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service’s (QPWS) pest-control programs were reducing the impact of weeds and feral animals on national parks.

“QPWS rangers have been working hard to control feral animals and attack problem weeds,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

More than $230,000 is being spent on feral animal and weed control in the Wide Bay and Fraser Coast areas.

“Their efforts mean that native vegetation is starting to recover in areas once affected by weeds and pests.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said weed control treatment of a groundsel infestation in Eurimbula National Park had resulted in the successful regeneration of a vine scrub community.

“Fox numbers in coastal areas of Wide Bay have also been reduced thanks to QPWS’s ongoing strategic baiting program,” she said.

“A baiting program, which coincided with the turtle nesting season, ensured fox hunting of eggs and hatchlings was kept to a minimum during a time when turtle hatchling survival is most vulnerable.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said the State Government was committed to winning the fight against weed and feral animal pests, which had significant negative impacts on the natural and cultural values of protected areas, State forests and other lands managed by QPWS.

“Fortunately, many of our national parks and protected areas have only minor problems with pests but in those areas that are affected, we are making good progress.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said landholders, who worked with QPWS under its Good Neighbour Policy to control pests, were vital to the success of the programs.

“Protected areas cover 4 per cent of Queensland and it is vital these special areas are kept as free from animal and weed pests as possible,” she said.

Media contact: Karla Steen (for Minister Nelson-Carr), 3336 8004
                            Col Lawton (for QPWS Great Sandy/Cooloola), 5486 9930
                            Peter Tierney (for QPWS WideBay), 4121 1920