Foxes and hares to be targeted across the Tweed Coast

Tweed Shire Council, Media Release, 6 June 2023

Pest animal control works will commence across Tweed coastal areas from tonight [6 June 2023] after a successful program in previous years.

Recent camera monitoring has recorded pest animal activity in the coastal bushland areas at Fingal Head, Kingscliff, Hastings Point and Pottsville. Species recorded on the cameras have included foxes and European hares, which have both been introduced to Australia.

Control works will start on Tuesday 6 June and continue until Friday 16 June 2023.

A highly experienced specialist contractor will carry out all works to reduce the pest animals in the local area.

Council’s Program Leader – Pest Management Wildlife Protection Pamela Gray said it was crucial to the Tweed’s native wildlife to reduce pest animal numbers, particularly foxes.

“Foxes are predators and seek out nests, eggs and attack local wildlife. It’s especially important to protect the Beach Stone-curlews at Hastings Point and Fingal Head who are at risk of local extinction,” Ms Gray said.

Signs warning the public about restricted access will be in place at formal entrances to trapping and control sites across key locations at Fingal Head, Kingscliff, Hastings Point and Pottsville.

“Access to control and trapping sites is prohibited for community safety,” Ms Gray said.

“Please ensure you and your pets do not enter these areas as traps are camouflaged and can be extremely difficult to see.”

Foxes have caused major declines in native animal species in Australia. This control program aims to reduce fox numbers to protect native fauna, including koalas and threatened birds such as the Bush Stone-curlews.

European hares graze on native plants and can impact on the natural recovery of disturbed bushland areas and destroy habitat restoration plantings.

Pest animal control will take place between 7 pm and 5 am from Tuesday 6 June to Friday 16 June at the following locations:

• Fingal Head:
  Control works will take place on private land at Letitia Spit, Fingal Head. This area will be temporarily closed during this time.
• Kingscliff:
  Access to bushland in the coastal Crown reserve at Sutherland Point (Cudgen Headland) may be restricted each evening during this time.
• Bogangar to Hastings Point and down to Pottsville:
  Control works will be carried out in the Crown reserve bushland areas along the coast from the Goanna Track at Bogangar (opposite Les Burger Fields) to Cudgera Creek, Hastings Point and from  Yugari Drive, Hastings Point to Elfran Ave, Pottsville. Areas will be temporarily closed when works are underway. Yugari Drive (the road up to Hastings Point Headland) may be temporarily closed each evening.
• Pottsville:
  Pottsville Environment Park will be temporarily closed to public access each evening when works are underway. Control works will also be undertaken at Pottsville Wetland (Kellehers Road) and Cudgerie Creek Bushland Reserve.

Public access to all locations is prohibited during the dates and times advised on signage. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

If any domestic pets are inadvertently caught in traps, they will be taken to Council’s temporary animal pound. Collection can be organised by calling 02 6670 2400 with impounded animals able to be viewed at tweed.nsw.gov.au/tweed-pound.

Anyone with questions about these works can contact Council’s Program Leader – Pest Management Wildlife Protection on 02 6670 2400.

For more information about foxes, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/foxes.