[dropcap]L[/dropcap]andowners in the Macarthur region are being called on to have their say on pest animal management at a consultation session in Camden next week.
The session will give participants insight into current pest animal programs in the local area.
It will also be an opportunity to provide feedback on the draft Greater Sydney regional strategic pest animal management plan which sets a strategic direction for managing pest animals throughout the region.
Greater Sydney biosecurity manager Graham Wilson says the economic impact of pests such as rabbits, foxes, dogs, pigs, goats and introduced birds was estimated at $170 million every year.
“The Greater Sydney plan sets priorities which guide resourcing and investment for coordinated pest animal management,” he said.
“Pest animals pose a serious threat to threatened species and the environment. Feral pigs alone impact on 361 native species already listed as nationally threatened.’’
Mr Wilson said the plan focused on key pest animals in the region, outlining how government, community groups and individual landholders can work together to prevent, eradicate, contain and manage the impacts of pest animals.
“The management of pest animals in our region is a complex and challenging situation which can’t be ignored. Collaboration is our best defence when it comes to reducing the impacts of these animals,” he said.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“The consultation period is an opportunity for stakeholders, organisations and interested community members to provide feedback on managing pest animals in our region and across the state.”[/social_quote]
Mr Wilson said several pest animal control campaigns were currently under way in the Macarthur area.
“These include the Menangle fox control campaign, our Macarthur wild deer management project as well as ongoing wild dog control operations in partnership with local landholders,” he said.
The consultation session will be held next Tuesday, March 20 at Jack Nash Reserve from 6pm. For more information, download a copy of the plan and have your say visit the website by Friday, April 20.
Email events.greatersydney@lls.nsw.gov.au to find out more or register your interest.
