More than 30 landholders turned out to the first meeting of the new Wedderburn Fox Control Group targeting the pest animals across the South West region’s three local government areas.
Greater Sydney Local Land Services officer Dr Alison Towerton said registrations were already rolling in with another public meeting to come in spring.
“This campaign builds off the success of the Menangle Fox Control Group launched in 2016,” said Dr Towerton.
Coordinated by Greater Sydney Local Land Services in partnership with Campbelltown City Council, Barragal Landcare Group and local landholders, the campaign adopts a coordinated, landscaped approach to fox management targeting sites in Wedderburn, Menangle, Picton and Camden.
Wedderburn Christian Campsite’s Paul Muilwyk said they had managed to trap and remove four foxes to date from their 55ha property with the support of Greater Sydney Local Land Services and Council experts.
“We see them all the time,” said Mr Muilwyk. “We are concerned about the impact they could have on the local koala population as well as other native animals and the local environment and they regularly harass and attack our chickens.
“Having that expert advice to call on has directly resulted in the removal of these foxes.
“We know this issue is affecting most landholders in this area and we would encourage anyone impacted to get involved in the group.”
Foxes pose a serious threat to native vegetation, domestic pets and livestock, causing over $227 million agricultural damage a year in Australia.
Landholders joining the WFCG are able to contact Brendon Levot to undertake monitoring of foxes on their property.
Opportunities for training in the use of cage traps and other options for fox control are also available.
