Community Sustainability Action Grant | Final Report
Holroyd Plains Pest Management Program 15/03/2018 - 30/04/2020
Have all milestones been achieved as per the Grant Deed? ◉ Yes
STATISTICS OF DELIVERED ACTIVITIES FOR THE TOTAL PERIOD OF THIS PROJECT
Statistic Total number indicated/ Total number delivered
Number of pest animals controlled 1500 1501
Number of volunteers engaged 10 21
Number of event days held 8 11
Number of helicopter hours 60 70
How has this impacted on the overall project? Describe short-term changes implemented as a result of the grant.
Short term changes are very evident with a reduction in the impacts of feral animals on ecosystems and production. Brumby numbers have noticeable short term changes andtake longer for numbers to increase, whereas feral pigs require constant pressure to have long term changes in the impacts they are having on freshwater ecosystems due to high reproduction rates.
Describe long-term changes implemented as a result of the grant.
Willingness for property owners to work together across a variety of land tenures to keep feral animals to a manageable level, (a positive change in attitude). In the two years the project has been running, there is visual evidence of improvements from the impact of feral animals. This project would need to continue for a number of years to accurately achieve measurable changes in water quality, stabilisation of stream banks and lagoons, improved native ground cover, biodiversity and sustainable production in the long term.
Describe unexpected outcomes of the project.
The high level of trust and respect gained between landholders and the Cape York Weeds and Feral Animals team and Cape York NRM to achieve the high level of results gained throughout the project.650 animals in 2018 and 851 animals in 2019, for a total of 1,501 animals including one feral cat to achieve the estimated figure of 1,500 feral animals.
Describe any changes made to the project from the original proposal, including reasons and positive or negative impacts of the changes on the project.
Additional properties wanted to become involved after the 2018 control program, that proved to be a positive addition to the project. This was achieved with value adding contributions from Cape York NRM through the National Landcare Program.
Did the grant funds meet your expected needs for the project?
Yes, it was a benefit with extra funds from Cape York NRM to cover increased costs with insurances, ammunition, av gas and logistics to increase and value add to the coverage of the project, and be able to meet initial projections.
How many volunteers were provided and do you consider this was value for money?
The participating stations all volunteered their time with some contributing av gas, accommodation and food for the pilot, marksman and ground crew. Station staff were also involved with the project with ground crew explaining the project and the long and short term benefits.
Would you apply CSAC17011 for another Community grant? ☑ Yes
What did you find most positive about the program?
Communities of Practice change established with landholders. landscape scale conservation outcomes achieved, with participating properties keen for this to continue.
Neighbours willing to participate and assist neighbours by allowing buffer zones on their properties. The program covered a variety of land tenures including pastoral lease, Aboriginal freehold and the Australian Wildlife Conservancy.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife also lent support, with this program complimenting feral animal control programs on Oyala Thumotang National Park, that was surrounded by this program's coverage.
In kind contribution from Cape York Weeds and Feral Animals Inc. and Cape York NRM providing ground crew and RALF support for on ground, logistical and a cash contribution through the NLP Healthy Farming Futures project to increase the coverage of this program.
What did you find most challenging about the program?
Estimating projected feral animal numbers at the beginning of the project. Liaising with some neighbouring properties to allow buffer zones around participating properties. Timing of the 18 and 19 aerial control proponent of the program to be most efficient. Timing to fit in with mustering and station activities and to compliment the Cook Shire 1080 baiting program and QPWS feral animal control programs. Weather extremities, wildfires and logistics with AV gas drops and shooting camps to maximise shooting time and reduce helicopter ferry costs.
Were you satisfied with the support provided by the department? ☑ Yes
What suggestions do you have for future rounds of the program?
Cape York Weeds and Feral Animals Inc. would be more than willing to host on-going and permanently funded programs to continue this important work in Central Cape York Peninsula.
Any other comments you would like to make?
This program has been very popular with landholders to achieve widespread management of feral animal numbers in central Cape York, that is generally beyond the scope of individual properties to deal with in isolation.
Has any media coverage been achieved during the grant period? ☑ Yes
Total grant amount $43,500.00 Grant funding received to date * $35,000.00
Final payment due * $8,500.00 Unspent grant funding $0.00
Total additional contributions:
Cash contribution: $8,000.00 In-kind contribution: $5,500.00
Total Project Amount $57,000.00
Provide details of any issues impacting on budget.
Increased prices of ammunition, avgas, helicopter hire and insurances.
Provide details of how you addressed or resolved each of the above issues.
Landholders helped out with some food and accommodation for the pilot, shooter and ground support. CY NRM and CYWAFA Inc.assisted with ground support for the 2019 control program and delivery of av gas to stations. Queensland Parks and Wildlife assisted with avgas drums for refueling.
