PESTS GIVEN FLICK IN FAR NORTHERN NATIONAL PARKS

Pest-affected national parks and forests in the Far North 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 national parks and forests in the Far North that have been affected by pests are starting to show signs of recovery.

“Feral pig activity has been reduced in the Daintree and on the state-owned East Trinity property near Cairns following active trapping programs.

“Also, sites within Eubenangee Swamp and parts of the Daintree National Park where pond apple had been abundant have been treated and are now showing signs of returning to native vegetation.

“About 100ha of Daintree National Park has been treated for pond apple, allowing native sedges and grasses to regrow.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said the Beattie Government was committed to winning the fight against weed and feral animal pests, which had 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 further activities would take place around the region including in Edmund Kennedy National Park, near Tully; Little Mulgrave Forest Reserve; Russell River National Park and the Daintree National Park.

She said local landholders, who worked with QPWS under its Good Neighbour Policy to control pests, were integral 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.”

Media contact: Karla Steen (for Minister Nelson-Carr), 3336 8004
                           Brett Stallbaum (for QPWS, Atherton Tableland), 
                           4091 1844
                           Mark Peacock (for QPWS, Cape York Peninsula),
                           4046 6601