- State Government-supported project a bold bid to investigate feasibility of stopping cane toads' southwards advance
- Containment zone aims to protect Western Australia's environment, culture, and industries
- Potential for project to protect 27 million hectares of land in northern WA
The State Government will support a new project aimed at investigating the feasibility of preventing the spread of cane toads in Western Australia in what may prove to be a pivotal step in attempts to protect the State from a full-blown infestation.
Cane toads were introduced to Australia in 1935 and arrived in north-eastern WA in 2009, progressing westwards through the Kimberley ever since.
There is no proven way of eradicating cane toads and reducing their numbers is extremely difficult.
Due to their toxicity, cane toads pose a significant risk to the environment, cultural heritage, and industry, with agricultural, mining and tourism businesses most likely to suffer if they cannot be contained.
In response, a group of researchers led by Premier's Science Fellow and Curtin University Professor Ben Phillips has begun work on a Toad Containment Zone, which will involve upgrading pastoral and irrigation infrastructure across a 150-kilometre stretch of critical habitat between the coast and the Great Sandy Desert.
It's hoped this will deprive cane toads of the water they need to move southwards, with the potential for the project to eventually provide protection for 27 million hectares of land in northern WA.
Government will provide seed funding for the project's first stage, which will involve comprehensive community consultation and engagement essential for the project's success.
This will include building support for private investment from stakeholders to support infrastructure upgrades, as well as investigate the feasibility of other approaches to manage access to alternative water sources.
Already, researchers have engaged with major stakeholders - such as Traditional Owners, the mining industry, and major landholders - to forge agreements and project governance.
As stated by Environment Minister Reece Whitby:
"Our Government has an historic opportunity to literally draw a line for cane toads.
"This dry expanse of northern Western Australia offers a significant chance to halt the toads' southward march.
"We want to see these pests' southward march stopped so we can protect Western Australia's environment, cultural values, and businesses.
"By creating this containment zone, we could stop the toad invasion from going any further."
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"This new project is a crucial step to stop the advance of cane toads into our Pilbara region.
"This initiative aims to create a containment zone to protect our environment, cultural heritage, and key industries from these pests.
"With cane toads threatening our local ecosystems and economy, this 150-kilometre barrier between the coast and the Great Sandy Desert is vital.
"It has the potential to safeguard 27 million hectares of land.
"Our Government is committed to funding the initial phase and working with stakeholders, including Traditional Owners and industry leaders, to ensure the project's success.
"This is our chance to protect our Pilbara region from a growing threat."
As stated by Curtin University Professor Ben Phillips:
"Developed from more than a decade of scientific research, the Toad Containment Zone was a key recommendation from the 2019 Federal Senate Inquiry into controlling the spread of cane toads and a priority action in both Nyangumarta Warrarn and Karajarri Indigenous Protected Area plans.
"With cane toads currently less than 150 kilometres from Broome and projected to reach the containment zone by 2028, the urgency to implement this plan is critical.
"The Toad Containment Zone will serve as vital biodiversity protection infrastructure."
