News & Updates

Recent changes to Western Australia’s Code of Practice for Registered Pesticides have revised requirements for the safe use of restricted pesticides, including 1080, PAPP and strychnine. Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group (PHBG) is encouraging landholders to come along to an upcoming workshop to learn about their responsibilities under the revised Code. “The requirement is still for landholders to complete training, obtain the appropriate permits, and use registered pesticides correctly as part of coordinated pest control efforts,” said Teele Hooper-Worrell, Executive Officer for PHBG. Under Western Australian legislation, landholders must hold a Registered Pesticide Permit (RPP) to possess or use restricted pesticides such as 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate), PAPP (para-aminopropiophenone) and strychnine. The new Code has updated requirements for training, storage, transport and use of these products for private landholders. To support landholders who wish to obtain or renew a permit, PHBG will...

Twenty local landholders gathered last Saturday despite the heat to tackle one of Australia’s most costly invasive pests at a hands-on rabbit control workshop hosted by the Peel-Harvey Biosecurity Group (PHBG). The Practical Rabbit Control for Small Landholders workshop was held at a site with active rabbit warrens in North Dandalup. Participants learned to identify rabbit activity, mark burrow entrances, use a warren smoker, and set pindone bait stations correctly. PHBG Feral Animal Officer Lacey Ford was encouraged to see how many landholders took advantage of free bait station loan equipment at the workshops and said rabbit baiting could be a highly effective control method when used correctly. “It’s crucial to follow label instructions, and using bait stations to reduce off-target risk and coordinating efforts with neighbours can extend successful rabbit control across property lines,” she said. Ms Ford acknowledged that pesticide use can be controversial, but said that baiting is ...