Efforts to protect coastal native wildlife will be ramped up again this spring, with a coastal fox control program starting up again.
Sunshine Coast Council, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Coolum and North Shore Coast Care and Noosa Council are working together to carry out the coastal fox control program between October 9 and November 27, 2020.
The program is conducted in coastal areas from the Maroochy River to Peregian Beach.
Environment Portfolio Councillor Maria Suarez said the program had been running for six years, with extremely positive results, so it was imperative that we continued the good work.
“Protecting our endangered and threatened species is the reason we run the coastal fox control program,” Cr Suarez said.
“We appreciate the support our community has given this program in the past and with their ongoing support, we can continue to ensure the longevity and security of native species.”
The program is designed to impact fox populations at a time when they were particularly active and reduce fox predation on vulnerable populations of native species, such as water mice, Eastern ground parrots, and endangered green and loggerhead turtles at the egg and hatchling stage.
The European red fox is a restricted pest under the Queensland Government Biosecurity Act 2014. Under the Biosecurity Act 2014, managing biosecurity, which includes invasive animals and plants, is a key responsibility of council and every Sunshine Coast resident.
Residents living near the program areas will be notified and are asked to ensure their pets do not roam.
Areas included in the control program will be clearly identified by warning signs at all entrances. If you spot a suspected fox den in the program area, report it to council on 5475 7272.
