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Table of Contentspelorus island goat control project .............................................................................. ...... 1

Project pLAN and communications strategy ................. ... ........................................................................................... 1

2016 ..................................... ...................................................................................................................................... 1

1. Purpose of the Project ........................................................................................................................................... 4

2. Introduction/ Purpose of PLAN and Communication Strategy .............................................................................. 4

3. Background ............................................................................................................................................................ 4

4.0 Sensitivity and Risk Management ...................... ............................................... ............ ............................. 5

4.1 Sensitivity ........ ............ .................... .... .. ........................................................................................ 5

4.2 Risks ................................................ ..... ........................... ..... .........•. .•........ ..... .. .. ....... ... ................ 5

5.0 Stakeholders .............................................................................................................................................. 6

Stakeholders have been listed as primary and secondary, depending on their level of influence and interest, and the impact that the project may have on them ............... .... .. ............. .. ... ..... .. .............. 6

5.1 Primary Stakeholders ...................................................................................................................... 6

5.2 Secondary Stakeholders ........................................................................................... ........ ............... 7

6.0 PROJECT WORK PLAN - REFER TO aPPENDIX b .............................................. ... ....................................... 7

7 .o Communication Objectives/ Goals ..................................................................... ... ............................. ....... 7

8.0 Communication Strategies ......................................................................................................................... 7

8.1 Key Messages .......................... ............. ................... ..................................................... ................ 7

The key messages listed below are an important part of all engagement activities. The key messages should be used in all activities across the communications strategy to ensure a consistent message is portrayed to the stakeholders . .................... ..................................................................................................................................... 7

As the project progresses, key messages will oe continually updated and refined to ensure currency of information .............................................. ............................................................................................................... 7

8.2 Engagement activities: .... ................ ............................................................................................ 1 o 8.3 Planned Activities ......................................................................................................................... 11

8.3.1 ........................................................... ....................................... ................. .... ..... ....................... 11

Activity 1: ............................ ........................ ........................................................ ........................ .... .... 11

Communicate with the existing users and campers of Pelorus Island to ensure they are aware of the project, potential risks and benefits. Provide continual updates ....... .................................. ........... 11

8.3.2 ........................... ..................... ... ...... ... ............................ .. .. .. ...... .......................................... ..... 11

Activity 2: ................... .... .. .................... ..... .. ....... .............................................................. ......... ..... ..... 11

Promote the project to the broader community through ABC Landline. ABC Landline has been engaged and will have exdusivity for filming this project. This does not limit us in what we can provide to the written media (e.g. Herbert River Express and Townsville Bulletin). However HSC and the primary stakeholders reserve the right to have final say on what content is put to air regarding the project. ............................................................................. ............ .............. .......... .. 11

8.3.3 ............................................................................................................................. ........ .............. 12

Activity 3: ........ .... ... .......... .... ........................... ............................................ ... ..... ......... ........... ............ 12

Promote the project to the broader community through HSCPMWG, ensure they are aware of the project, potential risks and benefits and provide continual updates ................................................ 12

8.4 Responsive Activities ...................................... .... .... ....... ........................ ... ......... .......................... 12

8.4.1 ....... ................... ... .... ....................... ............................. ........................... ............ ........ ............... 12

Activity 4: .................... ............................ .. .. .................. ............... ................................ ....................... 12

Respond to criticism and negative media exposure related to Animal Welfare, Impacts on Non-target Species and Potential Threat to People ... .. ........................... .................... ........................... ......... 12

8.4.2 .. .. ....................................................................................................... ......... ............................... 12

Activity 5: ................ .............................. ....................... .. ............. .. ............ ... ....................................... 12

Respond to criticism and negative comments by individuals . ... ... ........................ .... .......... .... .... ........... 12

8.4.3 ......................................................................................... .................................. .. .. ................ .... 12

Activity 6 : .......................... ... ............................... .... .......................... ........... ................................. ...... 12

Respond to enquiries concerning the u1080" controlled release delivery system, by media or individuals ........................... ... ................ .... ..... ................... ............... .. ...... ............ .......... .......... ... 12

9.0 Budget and Staffing .... .............................................. ....................................... ......................................... 13

Staff involved in the development and implementation of the communications strategy includes: ................ ........ 13

ATTACHMENT A: MEDIA RELEASE TEMPLATES ............................................................................... .. .... ... 14

Date .............................................................................................................................................................. ............ 14

MEDIA RELEASE .................................................................................................... ................................................... 14

ATTACHMENT A: MEDIA RELEASE TEMPLATES ................................. ................................................ ...... . 15

Date .................. .... ................................................................. ............................. ...................................................... 15

MEDIA RELEASE ....................................... ................................................................................................................ 15

ATTACHMENT k MEDIA RELEASE TEMPLATES ........................................... .. ........................................... 16

Date .................................................................................................................................................... ...................... 16

MEDIA RELEASE ............................................................................................................. .......... ................................ 16

ATTACHMENT B: TIMELINE AND ACTION PLAN .................. .. .................................................................... 17

This document will identify the timing of all communications, the responsible officers and reporting of completion . ................................ ........................................................ ...... ....................... .......... .............................................. 17

Pelorus Island Goat Control Project - Project Plan and Communications Strategy

1. PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT

The purpose of this project is to eradicate the population of 300 feral goats from Pelorus Island via a unique approach.

Eradication will be achieved through the introduction of healthy, neutered, male dingoes to the island. A similar project was carried out on Townshend Island in Shoalwater Bay in 1993 when 3,000 goats were eradicated within three years after dingoes were introduced.

Environmental impacts caused by the goats on the island are expected to significantly decrease with the removal of the feral goats.

2. INTRODUCTION/ PURPOSE OF PLAN AND COMMUNICATION STRATEGY

This is a collaborative project led by Hinchinbrook Shire Council with its partners Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and University of Southern Queensland. This Project Plan and Communication Strategy ("This Plan") will help to coordinate effort towards the key components of capture, husbandry and release of dingoes, and monitoring of flora and fauna within Pelorus ecosystem. This Plan will assist Hinchinbrook Shire Council to lead the project and positively communicate the purpose of the project to minimise risk and negative media exposure.

3. BACKGROUND

Pelorus Island is the northern most island of the Great Palm Island group located 50km off shore from the Hinchinbrook coastline in North Queensland. The island was traditionally known as Jabugay Yanooa and is approximately 4km2 with a maximum elevation of 251m.

The island has a pristine, fragile environment. It is predominantly covered by rainforest and open woodland. It is surrounded by rocky foreshores, white sandy beaches and spectacular fringe reefs. Camping is permitted on the island, however there are no camping facilities or known permanent freshwater sources. Numerous tour boat companies use the island as a picnic stopover on route to the Great Barrier Reef. The island is inhabited by two caretakers who maintain a facility owned by Coral Expeditions.

The island is managed by the Hinchinbrook Shire Council and is protected under both State and Federal environmental legislation.

As with many offshore islands, the feral goats inhabiting Pelorus Island are believed to be the descendants of animals which were released during the 1800s as a source of meat, milk and fibre to sustain sailors in event of shipwreck.

Feral goats are a declared pest animal under the Land Protection (Pests and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 and landholders are required to control these pests on their land.

Environmental impact' is the major concern on Pelorus Island with the feral goats being responsible for significant over-grazing leading to:

• Erosion due to a lack of ground cover • Changes in vegetation including an increase in woody weeds • Competition with native fauna.


Trapping, shooting and Judas goats are some management techniques that have been attempted in islands of the Great Palm Group with varying levels of success. Although proven to be successful on Orpheus Island, aerial and ground shooting has had limited success on Pelorus due to the closed canopy of the rainforest and the steep inaccessible terrain. The use of Judas Goats has also had limited success.

Using a native predator (the dingo) to control an introduced pest (feral goats) is an available and acceptable form of biological control, as demonstrated on Townshend Island.

Townshend Island is about 70km2 in size and had approximately 3,000 - 3,500 feral goats. Sixteen semi-domesticated dingoes were released on this island and within three years the feral goat population was eradicated. Significant and rapid vegetation changes occurred after removal of the goats from the island. Pelorus Island is about 4km2 in size and has approximately 300 feral goats. Therefore it is estimated that four dingoes should be sufficient to successfully eradicate the goats within a two year time frame.

4.0 SENSITIVITY AND RISK MANAGEMENT

4.1 Sensitivity

Medium. Some members of the community may feel that safety and animal welfare are a concern in association with the release of dingoes. Users of the island may also have concerns and may have reservations entering an island that has dingoes due to perceived public safety risks.

4.2 Risks

Risk Mitigating factor

Animal rights Hinchinbrook Shire Council have purposefully delivered this project as a advocates research project. This requires all components of the project to be approved by or members an Animal Ethics Committee. of the community concerned with the perceived .inhumane killing of goats

Impacts on non-target species

Hinchinbrook Shire Council has invested in the long term monitoring of flora and fauna on the island, so as to promote the environmental and biodiversity benefits gained by the removal of goats which are a known pest species.

A media release will be drafted if necessary, and supported with social media, outlining the issues.

Establish direct contact points with environmental groups.

Hinchinbrook Shire Council has invested in the long term monitoring of flora and fauna on the island, so as to promote the environmental and biodiversity benefits gained by the removal of goats. Although dingoes may eat non-targets, they will also remove their biggest competitor feral goats which compete with native fauna for food, impact native vegetation which provides habitat and enhance soil degradation through overgrazing.

A media release will be drafted, and supported with social media, outlining the issues.

Risk

Animal welfare issues associated with releasing dingoes

Potential threat to people


Mitigating factor

Hinchinbrook Shire Council have purposefully delivered this project as a research project. This requires all components of the project to be approved by an Animal Ethics Committee.

The four dingoes are being captured, transported, impounded and released in accordance with the recommendations of an Ethics Committee which reflect a national standard outlined in Jackson, Steven M (2003) 'Australian Mammals: Biology & Captive Management' CSIRO Publishing.

Trail cameras and tracking collars will be used to monitor the condition of the dingoes throughout the project, if a dingo's body condition becomes unacceptably poor during the course of the project HSC will take action to ensure the animals are not suffering.


Establish direct contact points with environmental groups.

Disseminate the key messages about the project including the benefits in the unlikely event of this occurring.

Erecting signage on Pelorus Island in order to communicate three key messages:

• Dingoes present • Do not feed wildlife • Report all sightings/encounters to HSC.

Hinchinbrook Shire Council has budgeted for erecting a fenced area for campers.

Hinchinbrook Shire Council has the power to restrict public access to the island for individuals found to be carrying out prohibited activities in accordance with Subordinate Local Law 4.


5.0 STAKEHOLDERS

Stakeholders have been listed as primary and secondary, depending on their level of influence and interest, and the impact that the project may have on them.

5.1 Primary Stakeholders

The primary stakeholders for this project are Hinchinbrook Shire Council, University of Southern Queensland and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.


5.2 Secondary Stakeholders

Secondary stakeholders include; Remote Area Dive, caretakers on the island, visitors to the island, landholders involved in the trapping program, James Cook University, Terrain NRM and community members.

6.0 PROJECT WORK PLAN - REFER TO APPENDIX B

7.0 COMMUNICATION OBJECTIVES/ GOALS

The primary objectives of this Plan are to:

• Ensure consistent communication from all stakeholders regarding the project, • Be prepared for immediate communication to the community after the project commences

and once it is completed, • Send out any media releases to deal with any concerns under the potential risks, • Respond with in 24 hours to any criticism aired or published In the media, • Ensure that the Hinchinbrook Shire Council's reputation is protected and strengthened.

8.0 COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES

8.1 Key Messages

The key messages listed below are an important part of all engagement activities. The key messages should be used in all activities across the communications strategy to ensure a consistent message is portrayed to the stakeholders.

As the project progresses, key messages will be continually updated and refined to ensure currency of information.

Topic Key Messages

Background The feral goat is a Class 2 declared pest animal under Queensland legislation and landholders are required to control its numbers on their land.

Hinchinbrook Shire Council has the responsibility for the management of feral goats on Pelorus Island. Approximately 300 feral goats inhabit Pelorus Island. They are responsible for damage to the environment including:

• Erosion due to a lack of ground cover as a result of over-grazing • Changes in vegetation including an increase in less palatable woody weeds • Competition with native fauna.

Trapping, shooting and Judas goats have been attempted in the Great Palm Group with varying levels of success.

Project Objective

Project Benefits


Aerial and ground shooting has had limited success on Pelorus Island due to the closed canopy of the rainforest and the steep inaccessible terrain. Using a native predator (the dingo} to control an introduced pest (feral goats) is an established control technique and was proven successful on Townshend Island.

Hinchinbrook Shire Council will introduce four healthy, neutered, male dingoes onto Pelorus Island for a controlled period of time to eradicate the feral goat population. Based on the results of Townshend Island it is estimated that successful eradication of goats should occur within a two year timeframe.

Project Aim: To eradicate feral goats from Pelorus Island

Objectives: • To identify potential non-target wildlife impacts and monitor their

populations' pre and post goat eradication • To release a small number of neutered dingoes on Peterus Island • To document the vegetation changes expected to occur • Demonstrate best practice and make recommendations to others

responsible for islands inhabited by feral goats, including other islands in the Great Palm Group.

Feral goats cause sub~tantial destruction of flora, leading to severe overgrazing and erosion, particularly on islands. It is hoped that, through the removal of the goats and their subsequent grazing pressure, the flora will respond positively to the reduced competition for resources.

Hinchinbrook Shire Council meets their obligations under the Land Protection (Pests and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 and the Biosecurity Act 2014 effective as of 1 July2016.

Releasing dingoes is one of the quickest and safest control methods not only for visitors to the island but also for pest controllers and operators.

The successful eradication of goats from Pelorus Island will assist neighbouring islands and their managers who are also undertaking feral goat management, by reducing the potential for re-introduction from Pelorus Island.

The island is managed by the Hinchinbrook Shire Council and has a pristine and fragile environment that is protected under both state and federal environmental legislation. There are approximately 12 regional ecosystems (RE) (17 including sub-REs) on the island. Including littoral rainforest which is a EPBC listed vegetation community and a matter on national environmental significance.

A wild dog management workshop will be hosted by Hinchinbrook Shire Council with the intention of training landholders in practical wild dog management tools with particular emphasis on trapping.

The trapping workshop will be hosted/ co-funded by Hinchinbrook Shire Council and Biosecurity Queensland with guest presenters Ben Allen and / or Lee Allen.

Project Scope

Timeframes

Public Safety (Potential Threat to People)

Animal Welfare


Hinchinbrook Shire Council will extend the invitation to neighbouring local governments who would like to participate.

To demonstrate best practice and make recommendations to land managers responsible for the other islands inhabited by feral goats, including other islands in the Great Palm Group.

ROLES Be.On Date End Date

Host a wild dog management workshop 24June 2016 July 2016

Trapping program, transport and impoundment 24June 2016 30June 16

Sedation, health check, tick, flea and worm treatment and GPS collar 1July2016 Dec 2016

Transport and release dingoes on Pelorus Island 1July2016 Dec 2016

Monitoring dingoes on Pelorus Island July 2016 April 2019

Emergency dingo removal prior to the completion of the project July 2016 April 2019

Dingo removal at completion of project .

July 2016 April 2019

Dingoes accustomed to human sources of food and hand feeding can become aggressive. This is unlikely if the island is infrequently used for camping and recreation and there are no food scraps left around by campers. Signage has been erected at the entry points to the island in order to communicate three key messages: • Dingoes present

• Do not feed wildlife

• Report all dingo sightings/encounters to Hinchinbrook Shire Council.

Residents/Caretakers - need to monitor their perception and experience with dingoes.

Campers - Fencing off a camping area could be considered if problems are indicated. Signage has been erected instructing visitors to the island to report all sightings of dingoes and feral goats to the Council.

Once feral goat monitoring data indicates that available prey resources are insufficient, then each such dingo will be humanely euthanised by firearm and it will be communicated to the public that the dingoes' temporary stay on the island has come to an end.

Feral goats are a natural food source for dingoes with the eradication expected to enhance environmental values and biodiversity on the island. Council has a legal responsibility to control declared pests on land under its control.

The dingoes will be neutered, vaccinated, wormed and given a thorough veterinary health check to ensure they are in good physical condition and to prevent the spread of disease and parasites onto Pelorus Island.

Impacts on off target species

Removal of Dingoes during and after project completion

Funding


There are natural sources of fresh water (soaks and seepage) that goats currently access that will also be used by the dingoes. In the case of a prolonged dry season, Hinchinbrook Shire Council has installed a permanent water source.

Remote cameras and tracking collars will monitor the physical condition and behaviour of the dingoes.

A fauna and vegetation monitoring program will be undertaken in conjunction with the release of the dingoes. This will demonstrate due diligence and ensure there are no adverse consequences on rare/ threatened/ endemic species or other potential impacts including the spread of woody weeds or potential re-introduction from other islands.

This project has an in-built fa ilsafe. Being de-sexed, male dingoes will die out eventually through natural causes.

If dingoes need to be removed because they have become habituated and represent a human health concern they will be humanely euthanised by a licensed firearms operator.

If a dingo becomes ill and needs removal prior to the completion of the project they will humanely be euthanised by a licensed firearms operator.

This project is being funded by Hinchinbrook Shire Council with in-kind contributions from Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and the University of Southern Queensland.

Contractors All vet work will be undertaken by an experienced local veterinarian. and Suppliers Tropical Vet Services: •only Information regarding animal husbandry and the

procedures being undertaken on the animal excluding the 1080 slow release chip.•

Contact Hinchinbrook Shire Council is committed to keeping all residents in the Information community safe.

For more information on the project: Hinchinbrook Shire Council office: 25 Lannercost Street, Ingham Phone: 4776 4607 Email: 1~ch a1t~ :g ,- G.hinbroQl<.ql<iJ?.ov.au

Web: •'v r1w. llinchinbrook.qlc;Lgov.au

8.2 Engagement activities:

Engagement activities have been broken down into two categories being "planned activities" and "responsive activities".


8.3 Planned Activities

These activities serve two purposes being:

1. To positively communicate the purpose of the project 2. To address and mitigate the identified risks proactively

8.3.1

Activity 1: Communicate with the existing users and campers of Pelorus Island to ensure they are aware of the project, potential risks and benefits. Provide continual updates.

Target Audience: Care Takers, Existing Users and Campers

Actions: • One on one meeting with key stakeholders to inform of the project and to ensure that any

potential issues with the dingoes are reported to Council.

• Council will provide updates on its webpage pertaining to the project as it progresses. Signage will be erected on the island.

8.3.2

Activity 2: Promote the project to the broader community through ABC Landllne. ABC Landllne has been engaged and wlll have exclusivity for fllmlng this project. This does not limit us In what we can provide to the written media (e.g. Herbert River Express and Townsvllle Bulletln). However HSC and the primary stakeholders reserve the right to have flnal say on what content Is put to air regarding the project. ·

Target Audience: Everyone.

Actions:

• •

•

• •

Agree on primary point of contact.

The official spokesperson for the Council is the Mayor in accordance with Council's Media

Policy. In the absence of the Mayor, the Deputy Mayor will be the official spokesperson. Portfolio Councillors will also be official spokespeople for the project. When information regarding operational matters is required, the Pest Management Officer will respond.

Ensure a formal agreement is in place between ABC landline and Hinchinbrook Shire Council concerning the content and what is released.

A list of potential questions must be provided prior to engagement

Agree on aspects to be captured in filming process, currently Landline has requested: • To film the erosion on Pelorus from a boat while interviewing a Council spokesperson

(myself or the Mayor) on why and what we are trying to achieve • • • • • • •

To film and interview landholders trapping dingoes To film a dog that is in a trap To film a dog being placed in a transport cage To film dogs in the pound To film health checks, worming, neutering etc To film the release of the dog To film and interview the Mayor explaining the project overview etc


• To film and report on the success

8.3.3

• To film vegetation cages being positioned or dropped onto island with go pro etc • Interview and speak with Ben, Lee and Michael in regards to what you guys are

involved with etc.

Activity 3: Promote the project to the broader community through HSCPMWG, ensure they are aware of the project, potential risks and benefits and provide continual updates.

Target Audience: HSC Community

Actions: • Provide regular updates through the HSCPMWG.

8.4 Responsive Activities

These activities serve one purpose being:

1. Respond to criticism and negative media exposure associated with the identified risks and ensure that HSC's, DAF's and USQ's reputation is protected and strengthened.

8.4.1

Activity 4: Respond to criticism and negative media exposure related to Anlmal Welfare, Impacts on Non-target Species and Potential Threat to People.

Target Audience: Everyone

Actions: • Review and release appropriate draft media releases (Attachment A) within 24 hours.

• Develop an appropriate media release to respond to other risks that have not been identified in the communications plan and revise plan.

8.4.2

Activity 5: Respond to criticism and negative comments by Individuals.

Target Audience: Critics

Actions: One on one meeting with critics to inform of the project and the benefits as per the key messages in 8.1.

8.4.3

Activity 6: Respond to enquiries concerning the "1080" controlled release delivery system, by media or individuals.

Target Audience: Individuals and media


Actions: Formulate a response: Dr. Ben Allen has expressed interest in assisting Hinchinbrook Shire Council in using certain proprietary technology entailing controlled (delayed) release delivery devices that is owned by Scientec Research. Dr Allen has asked Scientec to prepare a controlled release delivery formulation contain ing Sodium Fluoroacetate (111080"), with the purpose being its use by Hinchinbrook in a project entailing release of dingoes onto a small island to eradicate fera l goats. Dr Allen's role is to monitor the environmental outcomes of the project.

The 1080 formulation is for "extra insurance" that there no risk of the dingoes persisting on the island after the goat eradication program. The formulation will be implanted subcutaneously and, ideally, will delay release for approximately 2 years before the 1080 contents are delivered, killing the dingoes. A 2-year lifespan is preferred for the purpose.

9.0 BUDGET AND STAFFING

Staff involved in the development and implementation of the communications strategy includes:

• Pest Management Officer

• Media and Communications Officer


ATTACHMENT k. MEDIA RELOOE TEMPLATES

ANIMAL WELFARE

DATE

MEDIA RELOOE

For Immediate Release

COUNCIL CONTROLS PESTS ON PELORUS ISLAND

Council has commenced a Pelorus Island Goat Control Project to eradicate declared pests.

A number of desexed and wormed dingoes have been released on the island to naturally eradicate approximately 300 feral goats.

"The feral goats on the island are causing serious problems when it comes to vegetation and erosion."

"There have been a number of different control methods conducted on the island with limited success due to the closed canopy of the rainforest and steep inaccessible terrain."

Council is following on from results on Townshend Island in Shoalwater Bay where 3,000 goats were eradicated with the use of 16 dingoes.

"Feral goats are a natural food source for dingoes. Eradication will enhance environmental values and improve biodiversity on the island." ·

The dingoes will be desexed, wormed and given a thorough veterinary check to ensure that they are in good health and there is no risk of the spread of diseases on the island.

There are natural sources of fresh water that the goats already access that will be used by the dingoes.

Council has a legal responsibility to control these declared pests in a safe and humane manner.

The project has an in-built failsafe due to the dingoes being desexed, so the animals will eventually die out through natural causes.

Remote cameras will monitor the physical condition of the dingoes. Council will remove the animals if they become sick or injured or if there is a risk that they become a threat to humans.

All activities associated with the program have been approved by an animal ethics committee.

-Ends-

For further enquiries: Media and Communications Officer- 4776 4642


ATTACHMENT A: MEDIA RELEASE TEMPLATES

IMPACTS ON NON-TARGET SPECIES

DATE

MEDIA RELEASE


COUNCIL CONTROLS FERAL GOATS

Council has commenced a Pelorus Island Goat Control Project to eradicate declared pests from the· island.


"The feral goats have serious impacts on the environment on Pelorus Island including destruction of native vegetation, spread of woody weeds and soil erosion."

Council will conduct a vegetation monitoring program in conjunction with the release of the dingoes in order to assess the fauna and vegetation to ensure there are no adverse consequences.

"The monitoring program will help to ensure that there are no adverse impacts on rare, threatened or endemic species and that there are no adverse environmental impacts including the spread of woody weeds."

"There has been a number of different control techniques conducted on the island with limited success due to the closed canopy of the rainforest and steep inaccessible terrain."


The temporary introduction of dingoes is designed to enhance biodiversity values by reducing the serious impacts of feral goats'.


Remote cameras will monitor the physical condition of the dingoes. Council will remove the animals if they become sick or injured or if there is a risk that they become a threat to humans.


-Ends-

For further enquiries: Media and Communications Officer - 4 776 4642


ATTACHMENT k MEDIA RELEASE TEMPLATES

POTENTIAL THREAT TO PEOPLE

DATE

MEDIA RELEASE


DINGOES REMOVE FERAL GOATS FROM PELORUS ISLAND

Council has commenced a Pelorus Island Goat Control Project to eradicate declared pests.


"The feral goats on the island are causing serious environmental problems including destruction of vegetation and soil erosion."

"There have been a number of different control approaches conducted on the island, all with limited success due to the closed canopy of the rainforest and the steep inaccessible terrain."


"Feral goats are a natural food source for dingoes. Eradication will enhance environmental values and improve biodiversity on the island."

Council will monitor the dingoes closely to ensure that they do not become habituated or represent a human health concern.

Council will monitor the physical condition of the dingoes. Council will remove the animals if they become sick or injured or if there is a risk that they become a threat to humans.

Dingoes can become accustomed to human sources of food and illegal hand feeding can cause the dingoes to become aggressive.

"Pelorus Island has a small number of camping and recreation sites. The lack of food scraps reduces the likelihood of the dingoes becoming a danger to humans is low."

"Council will monitor the animals closely and advise caretakers and users of the island to report any issues with dingoes immediately."


The project has an in-built failsafe's (1) they're only male, so the dingoes we release wont breed with each other and they'll eventually die out, (2) they're also de-sexed, so that if other people release dogs, then they can't breed with our dingoes, (3) they're collared, so if they leave the island we can find them.


-Ends-

For further enquiries: Media and Communications Officer - 4 776 4642


AlTACHMENT B: TIMELINE AND ACTION PLAN

This document will identify the timing of all communications, the responsible officers and reporting of completion.

Please note this document will be ever changing as the project progresses.

ACTION WHO WHEN

Project proposal - Councillor Deputation HSC & OAF 2015

Project proposal (Operations vs Research)- Councillor Deputation HSC&DAF 2015

Draft Project Plan (Research) - Councillor Deputation HSC, OAF & USQ 2015

Engagement exercise - Hinchinbrook Shire Council Pest Management HSC & OAF 2015 Working Group

Draft Communications Plan HSC ~

Animal Ethics Approval - Monitoring fauna USQ 2015

Scientific Research Permit - Monitoring flora USQ 2015

Animal Ethics Approval - Capture, release and monitoring of dingoes OAF &HSC 1June 2016 onto Pelorus Island

Scientific research permit for declared pest animals j

HSC TBA

Revised Communications Plan HSC, OAF & USQ 20June 2016

Risk Assessments and SOPS All June 2016

Communication Activity 8.3.2

Wild Dog Management Training HSC, Lee Allen 23 June 2016

Wild Dog trapping/capture program HSC, Lee Allen 24June 2016

Dog husbandry, veterinarian procedures, collar fitting Vet 24 June -1 July

Dog transport and release All 1July2016 ·-

Communication Activity 8 .3.1

Monitor dog ecology and welfare USQ,HSC,DAF 1July 2016

Monitor island ecology Ben Allen -- --------

Communication Activity 8.3.3 HSC

Communication Activities 8.4 , HSC As Required l

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hinchinbrook - queensland parliament...a media release will be drafted, and supported with social...

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