Toad Media

MEDIA

13 August 2008

AN UNFORTUNATE ANNIVERSARY

August 18th 2008 will be the anniversary for the introduction of the cane toad into Australia. 73 years ago, on August 18th 1935, 102 cane toads were introduced into QLD to control beetles eating the sugar cane.

Today, it is estimated that there are now 200 million cane toads across QLD, NT and northern NSW and that they are 20km from the Western Australian border.

The Stop the Toad Foundation (STTF) is planning on reducing the number of cane toads entering WA by holding their annual Great Toad Muster from September 20th until October 18th near the NT/WA border.

The Great Toad Muster is a volunteer, community-based event that aims to remove as many toads from the frontline as possible by using a combination of hand collection, trapping and fencing techniques.

“We already have over 60 registered volunteers, but still need more”, said Kim Hands, STTF’s Campaign Manager.

“STTF will provide transport to basecamp, food, accommodation and training to all volunteers during their time at the Muster. Volunteers just need to get themselves to Kununurra and STTF will arrange the rest.”

STTF is holding an information evening on Thursday 21st August for anyone interested in becoming a volunteer. The meeting will commence at 7pm at City West Lotteries House, 2 Delhi Street, West Perth.

Contact Kim at STTF on [email protected] for further details or check out the STTF website www.stopthetoad.org.au.

For comment:

Kim Hands (STTF Campaign Manager): 0400 130 397