Coastal Fox Control Program to build on last year’s success

Sunshine Coast Council and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) will work together over the next four months to carry out the coastal fox control program in an effort to protect our native wildlife.

Fox control activities will take place in coastal bushland areas from Mudjimba to Peregian to assist the survival of native species in these locations.

The European red fox is a declared pest in Queensland, and the program is designed to control fox breeding activity and reduce fox predation on native species such as water mice, ground parrots and endangered loggerhead turtles at the egg and hatchling stage.

Environment Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay said this year’s program would deploy new technology.

“We saw really positive results last year, with 34 foxes being removed from beaches and coastal reserves and 77 fox dens inspected for signs of activity and control,” Cr McKay said.

“Now its second year, we will be utilising new technology to further improve the program.

“It’s imperative we continue to ensure the coastal fox population doesn’t recover to pre-control levels.

“I’d like to thank the community for their ongoing support of this program.”

President of Coolum and North Shore Coast Care Leigh Warneminde said the success of the program had helped to prevent fox predation on turtle nests.

“We’ve seen the damage that foxes can cause to a turtle nest, so we’re thrilled that no nests in the Sunshine Coast Council region were invaded by foxes this season,” Ms Warneminde said

“I think the control program that was conducted last year has definitely made a difference.”

The control program involves the use of fox detection dogs to locate dens, soft catch traps and baiting.

Nearby residents will be notified and areas affected by the control program will be clearly identified by warning signs at all entrances to provide guidance and information for residents and visitors.

Cr McKay encouraged residents to take care when walking their pets near these areas.

“Please be mindful of the signage, ensure your pets are kept on a lead and are not allowed to roam into locations where control activities are being conducted.”

The coastal fox control program was developed with significant input and support from Coolum and North Shore Coast Care, Biosecurity Queensland and QPWS.

Council’s fox control program uses best practice control methods which have been developed and demonstrated in highly successful wildlife conservation programs including the Northern Sydney regional fox control program and Western Australia’s black flanked wallaby recovery program.

Residents can assist with the management of foxes by reporting suspected fox dens to council on 5475 7272.