Mossman forum to discuss pests in paradise

Controlling pest species in the tropics will be the topic of a public forum hosted by Cairns Regional Council in Mossman next week.

All interested land owners and members of the public are invited to participate in the Pests in Paradise forum – part of the Far North Queensland Pest Advisory Forum program.

Featuring expert speakers from organisations such as CSIRO and Biosecurity Queensland, the forum will be held at the Mossman Shire Hall on Thursday, August 23, from 12noon to 5pm.

Community, Sport and Cultural Services General Manager Ian Lowth said education and communications were key to combating pest species.

“These forums are attracting significant interest from landowners who want to learn more about invasive weeds and animals and are keen to share their experiences in dealing with these problems,” Mr Lowth said.

“We encourage members of the public to come along and raise any specific pest-related issues they may have or simply learn what to look out for on their property.”

Participants at next week’s forum will be informed about the management of feral pigs and the rights of landowners in relation to trespassers on private property.

Other presentations will provide updates and information on the invasive weeds Hiptage benghalensis, myrtle rust and Siam weed, Indian myna birds, herbicide resistance trials and new pest vertebrate incursions.

The Far North Queensland Pest Advisory Forums are organised by Biosecurity Queensland in partnership with local government, Terrain Natural Resource Management and Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils.