The Andrews Labor Government has boosted front line pest control, with farmers set to benefit from improved access to 1080 pest animal baits and an extension of an interstate bait supply pilot program.
Minister for Agriculture, Jaala Pulford, has approved an update to the code of practice governing the use of 1080 to enable mobile manufacture of 1080 pest animal bait products in Victoria for the first time.
Prior to this, the manufacture of perishable or 'fresh' 1080 bait products could only occur at a few licensed fixed premises across the State.
Mobile manufacturing is now an additional option available to manufacturers to further increase supply of fresh 1080 bait products to farmers in remote areas.
These changes will improve livestock producers’ access to the bait products, for the management of foxes, wild dogs or rabbits.
Mobile manufacturing is also conducted in other states and is best suited to coordinated community baiting programs where groups of livestock producers undertake baiting at the same time.
In addition, Ms Pulford has also approved an extension to an interstate 1080 bait supply pilot program between New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria. The program will now be extended until the end of March 2016.
Under the program, authorised 1080 bait users from eligible parishes in eastern Victoria can buy 1080 bait products for wild dog and fox control from either the Murray or South East Local Land Service in NSW.
Authorised 1080 bait users in NSW can also purchase products from 1080 bait suppliers in eastern Victoria.
Manufacturers of fresh 1080 bait products who wish to provide a mobile baiting service for producers first need to apply for a licence from the Department of Health and Human Services.
Licensed perishable 1080 bait manufacturers can still prepare fresh 1080 baits at their fixed premises and supply them throughout Victoria. Most fresh 1080 bait manufacturers can supply baits within 24 hours.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Jaala Pulford
“The Andrews Labor Government is taking action to support our farmers in the fight against these destructive pests.”
“These changes will improve livestock producers’ access to 1080 baits to better manage foxes, wild dogs and rabbits.”
“The extension of the interstate 1080 bait supply pilot will make life easier for those farmers along the border.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020