Declared Pest Animals
Invasive Animal Baiting Program
Scenic Rim Regional Council's invasive animal baiting program will be ready to roll out mid-September. The program, which uses sodium fluoroacetate baits (1080), assists owners of larger land holdings in managing invasive animals which not only pose a threat to native wildlife but also pets and other domestic animals. If you are interested in participating in the program and have not previously baited with Council in the last 2 years, please contact Council by 30 August 2024 on 07 5540 5111 to register your intention to participate in the baiting program. The State Government, through Queensland Health, has implemented strict requirements on the use of Sodium Fluoroacetate.
Feral animals cost Australia significantly each year in livestock losses, disease spread and control. The wild dog, fox, feral pig, and feral deer are restricted invasive animals under the Biosecurity Act 2014, which means all landholders have a general biosecurity obligation to minimise the risks associated with invasive animals, on land under their control. These animals cannot be moved, kept (if a dingo or fox), fed, given away, sold or released into the environment without a permit. Control methods include baiting, trapping, shooting, fencing, and the use of guardian animals to protect stock. A planned strategy using a combination of these methods, that also considers feral animal behaviour will enable effective management. Landholders are encouraged to collaborate with their neighbours to increase program participation.
Wild Dogs
(Canis familiaris dingo, Canis familiaris dingo X Canis familiaris, Canis familiaris)
Wild dogs are abundant and widespread throughout the Scenic Rim region. The impact of wild dog activity has increased in the past 10 years due mainly to the increasing population in the region. Residents are increasingly engaged in raising livestock and poultry, resulting in a readily available food sources for wild dogs. Currently baiting, shooting and trapping programs are underway.
Feral Cats
(Felis catus)
There are feral cats scattered throughout the region and trapping is an ongoing activity.
European Fox
(Vulpes vulpes)
Foxes are abundant throughout the region and trapping programs continue to be conducted.
European Rabbit
(Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Rabbits have been a major problem throughout Australia since settlement, and despite the construction of the rabbit-proof fence and legislation to prohibit the keeping of rabbits in Queensland, populations and sightings are on the increase. The migration of residents from southern states where the rabbit is not a prohibited animal often results in the escape of the rabbits into the wild. This has major implications for native flora and fauna, and may result in severe damage to crops, landscapes and erosion. On receipt of information from residents about rabbit sightings, assessment and inspections are undertaken, and where an infestation is found, the appropriate authority will be notified.
Feral Pig
(Sus scrofa)
Found only in isolated areas and trapping is conducted when reported sightings are received. Feral pig population has increased due to increased animal husbandry, and availability of food sources such as feed lots and the feeding of livestock like horses on rural residential blocks. Following receipt of feral pig activity, trapping programs are initiated with varied success rates ranging from 100% removal to dispersal and subsequent reduction in feral pig numbers.
Feral Deer
(Axis axis and Cervus timorensis)
Appropriate control methods conducted when reported sightings are received.
Feral Goats
(Capra hircus)
Appropriate control methods conducted when reported sightings are received.
Red Imported Fire Ants
(Solenopsis invicta)
Currently found within the Scenic Rim region, fire ants can inflict painful stings on humans and animals. They can also have major impacts on our environment and agriculture. Fire ants are a Category 1 restricted pest under the Biosecurity Act 2014. Monitoring and baiting programs are being coordinated and implemented by Biosecurity Queensland. Report fire ant activity by calling 132 523.
You can learn more about what measures are currently in place to control fire ants along with other information resources from the National Fire Ant Eradication Program website.
Click the button to view the schedule of fire ant treatment dates in your area.
Yellow Crazy Ant
(Anoplolepis gracilipes)
Yellow crazy ants can disrupt natural environments, affect the horticulture industry, and cause skin and eye irritations. They have spread extensively in Queensland since they were first discovered in Cairns in 2001
Red-eared Slider Turtle
(Trachemys scripta elegans)
Red-eared sliders have been distributed through the illegal pet trade. Red-eared sliders are very aggressive and will out-compete native species for food and space.