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COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT will be the key to the development of Byron Shire Council’s new Pest Animal Management Plan.
Byron Shire Mayor, Simon Richardson, said pest animals like wild dogs have a terrible impact on the natural environment as well as the economic, social and cultural values of people in the shire.
“Wild dogs kill livestock and make people fearful and animals like feral cats do untold damage to our native animals,” Mayor Richardson said.
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“Our community is passionate about the environment and I expect they will be very interested in this Pest Animal Management Plan because it will set out clear priorities for pest species as well as areas to be managed and strategies and actions,” he said.
“The development of this Plan will have wide-ranging benefits for the whole shire, and the wider region, and it will seek commitment and coordinated efforts of other government agencies, environmental groups and land owners.
“Pest animals kill livestock and native animals, spread weeds and disease and this is not just a worry for Council, it’s the responsibility of all land owners and everyone concerned about our environment,” he said.
“For us, as a community, to have any chance of minimising the impacts of pest animals and saving native species like birds and wallabies, we need to work together and I am hoping that all land owners will get involved in the development of the Pest Animal Management Plan,” Mayor Richardson said.
Two community meetings will be held on Wednesday 28 March at the Mullumbimby Civic Hall where rural and urban land owners and environmental groups are invited to discuss their experiences with pest animals. Council also wants to hear from the community, which pest animals should be a priority in terms of management.
Residents and stakeholders are also encouraged to do an online survey.
This information will be used to inform the draft Plan which will be placed on public exhibition later this year.
For more information contact Byron Shire Council’s Biodiversity Officer on 02 6626 7324 or click here.
Attend a meeting to discuss pest animals in the Byron Shire
- 28 March 2018
- Mullumbimby Civic Hall
- 12:30 – 3:00pm or 5:30 – 8:00pm
- Bookings essential – call 02 6626 7324