Invasive species

Agriculture Victoria is urging farmers to be mindful of import requirements and to keep watch for red imported fire ants (RIFA) when sourcing fodder from interstate. Agriculture Victoria acting Chief Plant Health Officer, Stephen Dibley, said RIFA - or Solenopsis invicta - is one of the worst invasive ant species in Australia.

While politicians and activists agonise over the merits of the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, a far more insidious war rages on — not between nations, but between species. It’s the war we barely talk about, yet one we’re losing badly: the war against invasive pests. From farmland to forest, the frontlines are everywhere, and the casualties aren’t measured in headlines but in trees, crops, ecosystems — and billions of taxpayer dollars.

The Allan Labor Government is expanding recreational hunting in East Gippsland – boosting tourism, supporting local jobs and helping control wild deer. Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos today announced that the National Parks Act will be amended to allow seasonal deer hunting in Errinundra and Snowy River National Park. 

Tasmania’s peak farming body, TasFarmers, is today releasing its bold long-term vision for the state, calling on all political parties to commit to strategic policy that supports the growth and sustainability of agriculture ... "The policy platform outlines key reforms across multiple areas, including local government rates, invasive species management, freight, and workforce development.

Sally Jarvis. A NAIDOC Week Wild Weedy Weaver project launch will celebrate indigenous culture with weaving demonstrations using an introduced pest plant on July 12 ... Attendees can reflect and celebrate the creative and cultural possibilities of learning more about and working with introduced species.

Ninety years ago this month, Australia embarked on an ambitious but ultimately ill-fated experiment in biological control. In 1935, Queensland sugar cane farmers faced a relentless enemy—the cane beetle ...

NSW Premier Chris Minns has sparked debate around the introduction of a bounty on feral animals. Speaking on radio last week Mr Minns suggested that a system where shooters are paid a small fee for each feral animal killed could be a "novel way" to reduce their populations, which he believes have "taken over a lot of parks."

A non-toxic, environmentally friendly method of controlling weeds and pests in horticultural crops that has already proved successful in the United States and Europe will now be tested in Australia through a $4.74 million project led by La Trobe University. 

Prue Weir spoke about the issue of tropical soda apple at the Kyogle Council meeting on Monday, April 14. Ms Weir is a part of a group of residents formed in late 2023 to raise awareness of the insidious weed ... “It is an environmental disaster,” Ms Weir said.

With the arrival of deer breeding season, the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions is reminding communities of the heightened risk of feral deer on the road as well as increased activity and damage across Australia's landscapes including in suburban streets.

Spiny Burrgrass. It's gnarly and sounds like it would win a fight against the cats eye burr. It's not from round here but it will grow well in the type of conditions we have. We must be careful not to help it spread.

"If we can remove young pigs before they breed it will put real pressure on feral pig population." - John Medcalf, Lachlan Shire Mayor. A joint operation between NSW Farmers Tottenham branch and the Australia Pig Doggers and Hunters Association (APDHA) has conducted a very successful feral pig bounty trial in the Tottenham area. The trial resulted in the removal of 1,427 feral pigs...

Cr Carol Taylor says vigilance is needed to keep Chilean needle grass in check in the aftermath of Toowoomba Regional Council completing a program in the local area. Chilean needle grass is a Weed of National Significance and is considered to be one of the worst weeds in Australia because of its invasive nature, potential for spread, and economic and environmental impacts.

Tasmania's peak body for primary producers, Tasfarmers is welcoming news the calicivirus is being released into populations of wild rabbits across the state to control their overpopulation.

The Albanese Labor Government has ... released the first set of National Ecosystem Accounts which will help Australians better understand the value of nature to our economy and our wellbeing. The accounts will inform the Government’s policies and decision-making processes to better measure the impacts of our actions to the environment.

The State Government has authorised gunmen with high powered rifles to roam 34 back roads and shoot deer during a time frame spanning almost six months. Now under the spotlight of State Parliament, a series of questions have been asked.

The safety of people, pets and livestock are key concerns of farmers affected by the State Government’s authorised ground shooting program. Reluctant to speak publicly, farmers have told The [Naracoorte] News the operation takes place at night, and it is far too close to homes, pets, sheds, yards and livestock.

Hugh Schuitemaker. A well-known Loxton man is the second Riverland beekeeper to recently claim his bees died due to poisoning by PIRSA. Loxton-based apiarist Ian Cass claims 12 of his beehives were killed due to adverse impacts from PIRSA’s spraying program, aimed at eradicating fruit fly from the Riverland.

Farmers have warned the march of a destructive cactus through NSW could be only the beginning of the state’s weed woes unless ongoing funding for weed control is secured. NSW Farmers’ Croppa Creek and North Star Branch Chair Richard Doyle said farmers in the north of the state have reported a drastic surge in harrisia cactus infestations as the destructive cactus continues to spread south from the Queensland border.

Roy Butler, Member for Barwon, tells us he visited a place run by Oceans2Earth. They make a product called Soil Enhancer. They mix fish waste and wood together to make a fertiliser. The man behind this is Tim Crane, originally from Wilcannia.

The Tarrangower Cactus Control Group (TCCG) has relaunched its Farm Fence Sign initiative to combat the ongoing Wheel Cactus problem in the region. Residents and visitors may have noticed updated Farm Fence Signs appearing across the area, reminding the community of the persistent threat posed by this invasive species.

As the future of Australia’s most vulnerable species becomes ever more uncertain, the effective use of 1080 baiting remains critical to control one of their key threats: introduced predators – feral cats and foxes.