Fox control to start across the Tweed Coast

Aims to protect native wildlife like threatened Beach Stone-curlews and koalas

Fox control and trapping works will be rolled out across the Tweed Coast next week after a successful program targeting the local fox population last year. 

Camera monitoring has recorded an increase in fox activity in the coastal bushland areas at Hastings Point, Pottsville and Fingal Head recently. This monitoring assisted Council staff to capture 2 foxes at Hastings Point last week.

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Fox control and trapping works will start on Monday 22 August and continue until Friday 2 September. 

Foxes are an introduced species and have caused major declines in native animal species in Australia. This program aims to reduce fox numbers to protect native fauna, including koalas and threatened birds such as the Bush Stone-curlews. It will also allow for the recovery of Beach Stone-curlew populations at Hastings Point, especially during the breeding season.

A highly-experienced specialist contractor will carry out all works to reduce the overall fox population in the local area.

Council’s program leader – pest animals wildlife protection Pamela Gray said Council had expanded its fox control program this year to try to make a significant difference.

“We had success with our fox control program last year and this year we are targeting additional coastal locations where we’ve seen increased fox activity on monitoring cameras,” Ms Gray said.

“It’s crucial to our native wildlife to reduce fox numbers. Foxes are predators and seek out nests, eggs and attack local wildlife. It’s especially important for the Beach Stone-curlews at Hastings Point who are at risk of local extinction.”

Signage warning the public about restricted access will be in place at all entrances to trapping and control sites across key locations at Pottsville, Hastings Point, Kingscliff and Fingal Head.

“Access to control and trapping sites is prohibited. Please ensure you and your pets do not enter these areas as traps are camouflaged and cannot be seen,” Ms Gray said.

Details of fox control locations:

Hastings Point – Pottsville:
Monday 22 August – Friday 2 September
Crown reserve coastal bushland areas between Hastings Point and Elfran Ave, Pottsville.

Hastings Point Headland:
Wednesday 24 August – Friday 26 August (inclusive) from 7 pm to 5 am
Yugari Drive will be temporarily closed each evening (3 nights) during this time.

>Pottsville Environment Park:
Monday 22 August – Friday 2 September
The park will be temporarily closed from 6 pm to 5 am during this time.

Pottsville Wetland (Kellehers Road and Cudgerie Creek Bushland Reserve)
Monday 22 August – Friday 2 September
These areas will be temporarily closed during this time.

Letitia Spit, Fingal Head (northern end):
Monday 29 August – Friday 2 September
This area will be temporarily closed during this time.

Kingscliff (Cudgen Headland/Sutherland Point)
Tuesday 30 August – Wednesday 31 August between 7 pm and 5 am.

Public access to all locations is prohibited during the dates and times advised. Penalties apply.

Additional 1080 baiting for foxes will also occur at locations around Pottsville, Cudgera Creek and Round Mountain.

If any domestic pets are caught in traps they will be taken to Council’s  temporary animal pound. Collection can be organised by calling 02 6670 2400. Impounded animals can be viewed at tweed.nsw.gov.au/tweed-pound.

If you have questions about these works, contact Council’s program leader – pest animals wildlife protection on 02 6670 2400.

For more information on the program and to view maps of the affected areas, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/foxes.