HOLBROOK farmers have called for more help with pest animal management in the region at an informal Think Tank held at the Holbrook Returned Servicemen’s Club on April 19.
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The Think Tank involving 13 Holbrook district farmers was also attended by representatives from Holbrook Landcare Network, Murray Local Land Services and NSW Department of Primary Industries’ Game Licensing Unit.
Holbrook Landcare Executive Officer, Dale Stringer, said a small group of farmers were invited to take part in the Think Tank organised in direct response to feedback Landcare had received at a recent series of community catch ups.
“At the catch ups numerous farmers said they were very concerned about the increasing number of pest animals on their properties and they wanted help to manage them. Animals of concern included foxes, kangaroos, wild pigs, wild dogs and deer,” he said.
Andrew Watson, who with his wife Anna runs a 1200-hectare property Forest Vale just north of Holbrook, said pest animals needed to be addressed now rather than later.
“Kangaroos, foxes, wild dogs and pigs are a threat to the viability of our properties and deer in this region are an emerging problem. We don’t want to wait 10 years and then regret not taking action,” Mr Watson said.
“We have noticed a big increase in kangaroo numbers and are asking farmers in the region to make sure they use the National Parks and Wildlife Service permit and tagging system for managing kangaroos to ensure that the increase in numbers is officially recorded and recognised.”
The meeting also discussed the fact the Holbrook region is not zoned commercial in relation to kangaroo harvesting while surrounding areas are zoned commercial.
Murray LLS biosecurity and emergency services manager Geoff Corboy said Murray LLS was going to provide an additional bio-security officer to assist with programs in the area.
Other issues discussed at the meeting included the possibility of a register of licensed, insured hunters for farmers to draw upon to help manage pest and game animals. The meeting also discussed the use of electric fences to keep pest animals out; and the need for a coordinated campaign to manage pest animals.
Mr Stringer said it was a very constructive meeting and Landcare would follow up on a number of issues that were raised.
