Toad Media

MEDIA

15 August 2008

HELP US STOP A 73 YEAR OLD MISTAKE

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), urges the WA government to protect our state from this invasive pest by supporting the Foundation’s annual Great Toad Muster and a ‘NEW’ initiative led by STTF; National Cane Toad Eradication Week.

Both events are volunteer, community-based events that aim to remove as many toads from the Australian countryside as possible by using a combination of hand collection, trapping and fencing techniques.

“The WA Government has supported STTF’s Great Toad Musters in 2006 and 2007. We are calling on them again to support the third Great Toad Muster, which is running from September 20th until October 18th”, said Kim Hands, STTF’s Campaign Manager.

“With the toads so close to WA, this years Muster will help ease the invasive pressure on WA’s wildlife by reducing the numbers of toads moving westward towards WA.

“We already have the support of over 60 volunteers, a couple of major corporate sponsors and local community businesses. We now need the WA government to show their commitment to the fight against cane toads and to take a leadership role in helping us implement our National Cane Toad Eradication Week.

“The WA State election on September 6th will coincide very close to the anniversary for the introduction of the cane toad to Australia. It would be great to see the successful party supporting the WA community on-ground efforts to protect our state.”

For comment:

Kim Hands (STTF Campaign Manager): 0400 130 397