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Parliamentary Questions


Question Without Notice No. 232 asked in the Legislative Council on 10 April 2018 by Hon Robin Chapple

Parliament: 40 Session: 1

CANE TOAD — CLASSIFICATION

232. Hon ROBIN CHAPPLE to the Minister for Environment:

I refer to the announcement by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions—I love that—parks and wildlife service on the ABC Broome on 6 February 2018 that cane toads will no longer be classified as a pest to the north of the Tropic of Capricorn.

(1) Given that cane toads are no longer considered a pest, what protocols exist if people wish to collect and bust toads in their regional environments?

(2) Will people be required to get a licence to bust toads in the Kimberley and Pilbara as they will now be considered regular fauna and not pests?

(3) Will the secure cane toad drop-off points located throughout the Kimberley region remain and be serviced?

(4) If no to (3), why not?

(5) As the cane toad front advances, will further drop-off points be established?

(6) If no to (5), why not?

Hon STEPHEN DAWSON replied:

I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question.

(1) Cane toads are still considered a pest. The government continues to manage cane toads in accordance with Western Australia's cane toad strategy. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions recently updated the cane toad information pamphlet that provides a safety checklist and advice on euthanasing cane toads as well as an identification guide. The pamphlet, which I would like to table at the end of answering this question, is also available from the DBCA website at www.dbca.wa.gov.au.

(2) No; cane toads are not considered native fauna in Western Australia. As such, a licence is not required.

(3) There is a cane toad drop-off box at DBCA Kimberley region's depot. DBCA also supports a number of businesses that have agreed to service drop-off boxes located on their premises. DBCA supports Aboriginal communities, ranger groups and schools with information on collecting cane toads and cane toad management through the cane toad management handbook published in 2016.

(4) Not applicable.

(5) The focus of the cane toad strategy is on mitigating the impact of cane toads on native fauna and preventing the establishment of satellite populations ahead of the front line through effective community education and messaging, such as ''check your load for a cane toad'', and quarantine measures. DBCA will provide cane toad drop-off boxes to businesses that are able to service them and meet animal welfare requirements.

(6) Not applicable.

[See paper 1223.]