Northern Tablelands Local Land Services is coordinating the annual program across the Armidale, Glen Innes and Tenterfield regions. 

Landholders involved in 21 local Wild Dog Control Associations are also taking part in the campaign, along with the NSW Forestry Corporation, Crown Lands, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and neighbouring Local Land Services agencies. 

Northern Tablelands Local Land Services team leader Mark Tarrant said helicopters have been contracted to drop poison baits along more than 1600km of bait lines. 

“The choppers will also continue over the Queensland border along a further 160km of bait runs under the direction of the Southern Downs Regional Council,” Mr Tarrant said. 

“Working with other authorities in border regions will add to the overall effectiveness of the campaign.” 

This coordinated baiting follows spring baiting in October last year.

“We expect this will significantly reduce wild dog predation on livestock,” he said.

NSW Department of Primary Industries approval is required when 1080 poison baits are dropped from the air. Local Land Services biosecurity staff work with landholders to sign off on the necessary paperwork, and plan and coordinate the helicopter flight paths.

“We also supply the 1080 poison and inject the baits on site on the day of each flight,” Mr Tarrant said.

Valid accreditation is required for landholders wishing to conduct ground baiting on their properties during the aerial campaign. 

Landholders can register through Northern Tablelands Local Land Services for a Vertebrate Pest Induction Training Workshop to gain accreditation to handle 1080 and Pindone baits. Workshop accreditation remains valid for five years.

For more information call Mark Tarrant at the Northern Tablelands Local Land Services Glen Innes office 6732 8800, mobile 0427 007 183 or email mark.tarrant@lls.nsw.gov.au.