PESTS GIVEN FLICK IN SOUTH-EAST QUEENSLAND NATIONAL PARKS

Pest-affected national parks and forests in south-east Queensland 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.

“Their efforts mean that south-east Queensland national parks and forests that have been affected by pests are starting to show signs of recovery.”

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,” she said.

Ms Nelson-Carr said QPWS rangers on Moreton Island had been working hard to control pigs.

“The removal of at least 35 pigs is a great result for the island’s habitat, including the sandy beaches on the ocean side where endangered marine turtles lay their eggs,” she said.

“Visitors have also been employed in the war against feral pigs, completing ‘pig watch’ surveys for rangers to indicate whether they have seen feral pigs or evidence of their activity throughout the island.

“The information gleaned from these surveys helps rangers target areas for further control work, giving us a better chance of reducing pig numbers.”

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 pests and weeds as possible,” she said.

Media contact: Karla Steen (for Minister Nelson-Carr), 3336 8002
                          Jason Jacobi (for QPWS), 3512 2320