Wild dogs, deer, feral pigs, foxes and rabbits have been named among the target species for the South West Sydney region in the newly released Greater Sydney regional strategic pest animal plan.
Developed by Greater Sydney Local Land Services in consultation with local landholders, community and industry groups, the plan sets out pest animal management actions that reflect local priorities in each community.
Greater Sydney biosecurity manager Graham Wilson says the Macarthur region is already home to a high number of coordinated pest animal control programs run in partnership with local landholders.
“We regularly run wild dog and fox control programs in the Oaks and Oakdale region with the most recent run in partnership with 32 landholders and covering more than 1228 hectares of land,” he said.
“Our wild deer program has also seen almost 160 deer removed from the Macarthur region and the Menangle fox control program has engaged more than 100 landholders since it rolled out in 2016.”
Mr Wilson said the pest plan set out guidelines on the best areas to direct resources and investment for government, industry and the community alike.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“We were very pleased with the high volume of input from various community groups and individuals as part of the consultation process and are confident this new, coordinated and strategic approach will further enhance our pest control efforts,” he said.[/social_quote]
Mr Wilson said the addition of regional pest animal committees would also add significant value.
“These committees ensure locals are involved in setting the local priorities for their respective areas,” he said.
The economic impact of wild rabbits, carp, feral pigs, red foxes, wild dogs, feral goats and introduced birds has been estimated at $170 million in NSW
Access the full Greater Sydney Regional Strategic Pest Animal Plan online here.
