Wednesday, 14th February 2018
Cane toads will no longer be considered pests in the Kimberley due to a reclassification by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, a move that has caused concern for Greens WA member for Mining and Pastoral Robin Chapple.
The reclassification has raised major questions regarding the government’s approach to the invasive species and whether funding can be guaranteed for mitigation programs into the future.
“The government must clarify whether they have given up and ceded this territory to the cane toads, or whether they will support the Kimberley to continue the fight,” Mr Chapple said.
“The Minister can certainly expect questions on this issue, the people on the frontlines deserve to know whether they will continue to receive support with eradicating the invasive species.
“For community groups such as Kimberley Toad Busters that are collecting or exterminating cane toads in the area, this reclassification could have a dramatic impact on their underappreciated yet incredibly important work.”
Media contact: Liam Carter – 0449 151 490
