Natural Resource Management Portfolio Report - 20 July 2016

Natural Resource Management

Weed treatment programs

Contractors have begun treatment of Mother of Millions starting in the southern part of the region and working their way north. Pest Management staff have been undertaking property inspections for Giant Rats Tail Grass and Mother of Millions across the region.

Feral animal control

Requests for assistance with Rabbit control have increased recently. Seven rabbits have been trapped, injected with Calici virus and released at Coolabunia and Taabinga in the last month.

Council are receiving reports that the virus is spreading well within rabbit populations where releases have occurred in the past.

1080 Baiting programs

Pest Management staff have assisted landholders to undertake additional baiting programs in the Tarong and Hivesville areas.

Wandering Livestock

NRM staff have attended to wandering livestock call outs in South Nanango, Murgon, Maidenwell, Kingaroy and Blackbutt. Council currently have 5 horses impounded from the Murgon area and 1 pony impounded from the Kingaroy area.

Saleyards and dip facilities

A Weaner Sale was held on June 3 with a total of 1072 head sold. Prices and quality were very good and vendors happy. The Fat & Store sale held 4 days later attracted small numbers of mostly meatworks cattle. Following a week of rain the Fat & Store sale held June 21 attracted 185 head with some vendors cancelling as a result of wet weather access issues.

Prices are still holding well with reports of $3.60/kilo for smaller steers.

A concrete pad has been constructed under the vet crush, front pens have been cleaned and gravel is being laid. Approximately 1,860 head have been cleared by authorised Council officers in the past month.

Feral Animal Mentor program

Council is working in partnership with Condamine Alliance to engage a feral animal mentor to assist landholders to develop property pest management plans for the control of wild dogs, feral pigs and rabbits in strategic control areas. The mentor will be available to work with landholders in the South Burnett from late July until September.

Prescribed Burn Program

Nanango Group Rural Fire Brigade has completed prescribed burns at Nanango Refuse Reserve and Coomba Falls.

Biosecurity Act

NRM staff completed external and internal training sessions and workshops to prepare for the introduction of new legislation regarding management of weeds, feral animals and cattle ticks.