Tweed Shire local government the subject of more corruption allegations?

The Northern Star-Daily Telegraph, 19 December 2024:

Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) probe launched into Tweed Shire Council

A corruption probe has been launched into Tweed Shire Council, it can be revealed.

Multiple sources have told this publication an Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) investigation was recently launched into allegations surrounding council processes.

One source stated that the corruption probe was “common knowledge” in council and that “they have been trying to keep a lid on it”.

Another source said ICAC officers had recently raided council offices to conduct searches and obtain information, and that a number of staff had reportedly been suspended.

When asked about the probe, Tweed Shire Council Mayor Chris Cherry said she was “unsure” whether the investigation was “active” and that “it was likely to come out (in the media) sooner or later”. She then referred enquiries to general manager Troy Green.

In response to questions, a council spokesperson said: “All investigations are a matter for the Commission.”

“Where there is an active and ongoing investigation, it is not appropriate for council to give any response,” the spokesperson said.

“All enquiries should be directed to the ICAC. No further statements will be made about this matter by the council.”

An ICAC spokesperson said it would not “confirm or deny if it is undertaking investigations”.

In 2005, the state government sacked the Tweed Shire Council after allegations of corruption were aired to ICAC before handing responsibilities over to three administrators.

The probe came after an independent report by Commissioner Maurice Daly, who examined how Tweed councillors were elected, finding them to be influenced by a developer-led group called Tweed Directions.

The report claimed candidates who presented as independents were backed by developers who were responsible for a property boom on the Queensland-NSW border.

At the time, Local Government Minister Tony Kelly said the move had “distorted the community’s understanding of their real status and purpose” and council had “effectively lied to the community.”

The current probe has no links to the matters in 2005.

In September 2022 Tweed Shire Council published its Fraud and Corruption Control Policy Version 2.0 which reads in part:

Fraud refers to dishonestly obtaining a benefit, or causing a loss, by deception or other means. Corruption, in broad terms, is deliberate, a serious wrongdoing that involves dishonest or partial conduct, a breach of public trust or the misuse of information or material.....

This Policy affirms Tweed Shire Council’s commitment to supporting an integrity fraud and corruption control framework, communicates our intention and direction to fraud and corruption control and shows clear accountability structures.

Richmond Valley Council decision at odds with community expectations concerning use of Stan Payne Oval

ECHO, 17 December 2024: 

Evans Heads locals have raised concerns over the advertised rodeo ‘Buckin by the Beach’ scheduled for 28 December in Evans Head.

Originally advertised for Paddon Memorial Park next to the Evans River, residents said that the first they knew of it was from an ad offering ticket sales to the event. It has now apparently been moved to Stan Payne Oval. Though it is still being advertised online as at Paddon Park.

‘It is not clear from publicly-available information whether this rodeo has been approved by Richmond Valley Council (RVC) as nothing can be found on the RVC website at time of writing about the event except that a similar event was held in 2023 at the Stan Payne Oval at Evans Head,’ said a spokesperson for Evans Head Residents for Sustainable Development (EHRSDI).

According to one local the RVC the council overrode the Stan Payne Oval Committee to bring the event back to the property under their control leaving the community wondering ‘why bother having a management committee if the council can step in at the last moment and override their concerns without appropriate public consultation with those who will be most affected by the event’.

Inquiries made by EHRSDI reveal that those controlling the Stan Payne Oval area were not happy with the impact the previous event had on the condition of the playing fields and one resident, who contacted EHRSDI, said he had suffered a knee injury because of legacy uneven playing surfaces.

The Stan Payne Oval is subject to a Master Plan which was accepted by Council in June 2023 ( https://richmondvalley.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/SPEH-01-Adopted-Masterplan-2023-.pdf)

‘EHRSDI understands that the committee did not and does not want the rodeo to be held on the Stan Payne Oval because of the effects on the oval’s physical integrity and risk of injury from the legacy effects of that use,’ said the EHRSDI spokesperson.

‘Master Plans are supposed to be about “protecting the local character, heritage and environment” of a site”. It is difficult to reconcile the imposition of an out-of-town, for-profit rodeo with “the core focus” of the site which is “improving the community’s enjoyment within public spaces”.’

Evans Head Residents for Sustainable Development said today it has fielded a number of calls from local residents about the proposed rodeo event covering a range of concerns from the impact the event will have on water quality of the Evans River to the timing of the event in the middle of the busy Christmas period at Evans Head when riverfront usage is at a premium and the space will be lost to the public. Parking and noise problems were also raised.

‘The wider community is also opposed to the event being held at Evans Head because the community is already at capacity from the summer holidays and does not need yet another burden on local infrastructure.’

Animal welfare

Animal welfare issues have also been raised as a concern in relation to the rodeo.

According to research gathered by Dr Anne Gates, ‘Rodeos are a cruel spectator sport, condemned by all animal protection organisations, in which bulls, horses and sometimes other animals are physically provoked into displaying “wild” behaviour by the use of such devices as spurs, electric prods and flank straps. Animals suffer many kinds of injuries and are sometimes killed as a result......

RVC, National Rodeo Association, and the Stan Payne Oval committee have been contacted for comment.

Evans Heads locals have raised concerns over the advertised rodeo ‘Buckin by the Beach’ scheduled for 28 December in Evans Head.

Originally advertised for Paddon Memorial Park next to the Evans River, residents said that the first they knew of it was from an ad offering ticket sales to the event. It has now apparently been moved to Stan Payne Oval. Though it is still being advertised online as at Paddon Park.

‘It is not clear from publicly-available information whether this rodeo has been approved by Richmond Valley Council (RVC) as nothing can be found on the RVC website at time of writing about the event except that a similar event was held in 2023 at the Stan Payne Oval at Evans Head,’ said a spokesperson for Evans Head Residents for Sustainable Development (EHRSDI).

According to one local the RVC the council overrode the Stan Payne Oval Committee to bring the event back to the property under their control leaving the community wondering ‘why bother having a management committee if the council can step in at the last moment and override their concerns without appropriate public consultation with those who will be most affected by the event’.

Inquiries made by EHRSDI reveal that those controlling the Stan Payne Oval area were not happy with the impact the previous event had on the condition of the playing fields and one resident, who contacted EHRSDI, said he had suffered a knee injury because of legacy uneven playing surfaces.

The Stan Payne Oval is subject to a Master Plan which was accepted by Council in June 2023 ( https://richmondvalley.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/SPEH-01-Adopted-Masterplan-2023-.pdf)

‘EHRSDI understands that the committee did not and does not want the rodeo to be held on the Stan Payne Oval because of the effects on the oval’s physical integrity and risk of injury from the legacy effects of that use,’ said the EHRSDI spokesperson.

‘Master Plans are supposed to be about “protecting the local character, heritage and environment” of a site”. It is difficult to reconcile the imposition of an out-of-town, for-profit rodeo with “the core focus” of the site which is “improving the community’s enjoyment within public spaces”.’

Evans Head Residents for Sustainable Development said today it has fielded a number of calls from local residents about the proposed rodeo event covering a range of concerns from the impact the event will have on water quality of the Evans River to the timing of the event in the middle of the busy Christmas period at Evans Head when riverfront usage is at a premium and the space will be lost to the public. Parking and noise problems were also raised.

‘The wider community is also opposed to the event being held at Evans Head because the community is already at capacity from the summer holidays and does not need yet another burden on local infrastructure.’

Animal welfare

Animal welfare issues have also been raised as a concern in relation to the rodeo.

According to research gathered by Dr Anne Gates, ‘Rodeos are a cruel spectator sport, condemned by all animal protection organisations, in which bulls, horses and sometimes other animals are physically provoked into displaying “wild” behaviour by the use of such devices as spurs, electric prods and flank straps. Animals suffer many kinds of injuries and are sometimes killed as a result......

RVC, National Rodeo Association, and the Stan Payne Oval committee have been contacted for comment.

The wilfully blind cast their vote at Lismore City Council's ordinary monthly meeting of 10 December 2024

 

If there is one thing that can be relied on when it comes to Lismore City Council's elected representatives, it is that Cr. Big Rob, formerly known as Robert Bou-Hamdan, will seek to tear down rather than build on past community achievements.

This is yet another case in point.....

ECHO, 13 December 2024:

Lismore councillors Big Rob and Andrew Bing have led the charge to remove all CSG (coal seam gas) and nuclear free area signs from the Lismore local government area (LGA).

Speaking to the motion at the December 10 council meeting Cr Rob made it clear he wasn’t happy with what he sees as the negative messaging that the ‘CSG and nuclear free’ statement on the welcome to Lismore signage.

‘I even don’t like the signs on the bins, it has like 20 different things you cannot do,’ said Cr Rob emphasising his point.

Supporting the motion Cr Electra Jensen told the meeting that while she had supported the ‘No CSG’ campaign at the time but ‘we don’t want to rehash history [we want to] look to the future… it is time to move on.’....

Councillors voted six to four in favour of removing the CSG signs with Crs Gordon, Battista, Rob, Bing, Jensen and Krieg in favour and Crs Dalton-Earls, Knight-Smith, Guise and Waters opposed.

Following the meeting a rescission motion has been lodged by Crs Knight-Smith, Guise and Waters.

‘The fact that 87 per cent of LGA voted to be CSG free means the Krieg team would have their own constituents who would have supported the referendum,’ Cr Guise told The Echo.

‘I’d like them to listen to the sentiment of the community and recognise that they should proudly display those signs as a symbol of community pride and what we have gained from being gasfield free.

‘We’ve got a united, powerful community, we have protected our farmland, we have clean air and water. These signs are something that a farming and a food growing region should be proud of as it is essential to a food growing and agricultural region to have clean farmland and water,’ he said.

‘CSG is still a clear-a-present danger. You have communities fighting against gas fields across NSW and Australia right now. CSG is a dirty fossil fuel on par or worse than coal.’.....

Crs Gordon, Battista, Rob, Bing, Jensen and Krieg have chosen to ignore the long history of exploration and mining in north-east New South Wales from the 19th century to the present 21st century - gold, silver, copper, tin, antimony, coal, asbestos, mineral sands & coal seam gas being the principal commodities sought by the mining industry.

These councillors turn their eyes and minds from those maps showing current mining titles and exploration leases, as well as from maps pockmarked with coal seam gas drilling holes that Northern Rivers communities fought hard to stop proliferating ahead of then proposed gas fields.

Mining industry history across Australia clearly shows that mining titles can endure across many lifetimes, often changing hands down the years as long-term investments. History also shows us that state governments can and do grant new exploration licenses in areas where mining leases have lapsed or been dissolved by previous governments.

There is no binding 'never ever' promise on the part of governments when it comes to minerals, ores & metals that can still be found in the ground.

BACKGROUND

All current north-east NSW mining titles & applications for mineral and energy resource exploration, assessment and production, where a company or individual has the right to explore for or extract resources including petroleum, minerals and coal. All current titles for mineral and energy resource exploration, assessment and production.

MinView Geoscience Planning Portal mapping

All current & past north-east NSW exploratory drilling sites. Past coal seam gas drilling sites marked in yellow.

MinView Geoscience Planning Portal mapping

3.GEOLOGICAL SETTING, excerpt from Assessment of Mineral Resources in the Upper North East CRA Study Area:

The Upper North East Region (UNER) has a complex geological history extending from about 600 million years ago to the present. Rocks in the region have been brought together from sites of deposition as far away as sub-Antarctic areas. The region has undergone massive upheavals and some rock sequences which now abut were formed in different parts of the globe in settings ranging from volcanic island arcs to swampy basins. The area has been relatively stable as part of the Australian continent since about 200 million years ago but there have been periods of considerable volcanic activity most recently about 40-15 million years ago. Large parts of the region are now in an active erosional cycle but deposition of new sediments is occurring in many coastal lake and river systems. 

The UNER covers rocks of the New England Orogen (or New England fold belt), the Clarence-Moreton Basin and associated sub-basins, and younger rocks of Tertiary and Quaternary age which overlie these major provinces. The New England Orogen is a major geological zone which extends from the Newcastle area north to Far North Queensland. The Orogen comprises many rocks which formed in highly active geological regions where sediments from the deep ocean were being subducted and thrust into the Australian land mass at that time. They were mixing with sediments formed from the eroding mountains and volcanoes which existed on the margins of the continent. The Orogen has a complex structural history and the sedimentary rocks are generally folded and regionally metamorphosed. The Orogen includes a major plutonic province and there are numerous intrusive units, generally felsic in character, as well as extrusive volcanic rocks of similar age and composition.

In the north eastern part of the UNER the Orogen rocks are overlain by relatively flat-lying sediments of the Clarence-Moreton Basin (C-MB) and underlying sub-basins. This major basin formed after the crust had stabilised. This basin covers the New England Orogen rocks completely just north of the Region and sedimentary units can be traced across to the west to join with units comprising the vast sedimentary basins of central Australia.

During the Tertiary Epoch basaltic volcanism occurred along eastern Australia and was related to the formation of the Tasman Sea. Remnants of very large continental basaltic shield volcanoes are present in the Region, the major one being the Tweed volcano centred at Mount Warning. There has been substantial erosion throughout the region since these volcanoes formed.

Erosion has produced a major escarpment which extends through the UNER. Huge gorge systems have developed and the material removed has been deposited in coastal regions in rivers and lakes and out to sea.

[Assessment of Mineral Resources in the Upper North East CRA Study Area: A project undertaken as part of the NSW Comprehensive Regional Assessments, November 1999, p.4]

It was a busy 9 days for police in Northern Rivers police districts - real gun, toy gun, bungled bank robbery, stabbing death, two-state police pursuit, domestic violence, police shooting, vehicle crashes whist fleeing, tourist lost in bushland

 

NSW Police News

Critical incident declared following pursuit and crash - Coffs/Clarence PD

Thursday, 12 December 2024 12:30:09 PM

A critical incident investigation has been declared following a police pursuit and crash near Coffs Harbour today.

About 7.45am (Thursday 12 December 2024), police were patrolling the Pacific Highway at Tucabia – about 15km east of Grafton – when they attempted to stop a vehicle due to its alleged speed.

When the vehicle allegedly failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated; however, was soon terminated due to the manner of driving.

A second pursuit was initiated a short time later, before the car allegedly conducted a U-turn at Dirty Creek into the path of an oncoming truck, resulting in a collision.

The driver of the vehicle, a 19-year-old man, was treated at the scene by police and NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Coffs Harbour Hospital in a critical condition.

The driver of the truck, a 50-year-old man, was not injured; however, was taken to Grafton Hospital for mandatory testing.

A crime scene has been established and the scene will be forensically examined by the Crash Investigation Unit.

A critical incident team from Mid North Coast Police District will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The investigation is also subject to an independent review.

As inquiries continue, anyone with information or dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The Pacific Highway at Dirty Creek is expected to remain closed northbound for some time.

Diversions are in place and delays are expected. For traffic updates visit: www.livetraffic.com

Missing hiker located safe - Tweed/Byron PD

Wednesday, 11 December 2024 03:05:35 PM

A missing hiker has been located safe on the state's far north coast.

The 54-year-old was believed to have been hiking at Wollumbin when he was last heard from about 9.30pm on Saturday 7 December 2024.

Police were told that the man spoke with a friend that night, indicating he was lost in the Wollumbin National Park.

When he was unable to be contacted on Sunday (8 December 2024), police attached to Tweed/Byron Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Officers, with assistance from NSW and Qld PolAir, NSW Police Rescue, NSW Ambulance, Westpac Rescue Helicopter, NSW SES, RFS and VRA conducted an extensive search.

Following inquiries, about 12:35pm today (Wednesday 11 December 2024, the man was located on Tyalgum Road, Tyalgum, after walking out of bushland.

He was taken to Murwillumbah Hospital for assessment and treatment for minor lacerations.

Police would like to thank the public and media for their assistance.

Critical incident declared after man shot - Grafton

Wednesday, 11 December 2024 10:56:02 AM

A critical incident investigation is underway after a man was shot by police in the states far north coast this morning.

About 6.30am (Wednesday 11 December 2024), officers attached to the Coffs/ Clarence Police District were called to a park on Ryan Street, Grafton, responding to reports of a concern for welfare.

On arrival, police located and attempted to engage with a man.

The man allegedly approached police and threatened them with a knife before he was shot by police.

The officers immediately rendered first aid until the arrival of NSW Ambulance paramedics.

The man was airlifted to Gold Coast University Hospital in a stable but serious condition.

The police officers were not physically injured.

A critical incident team from Richmond Police District will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The investigation is also subject to an independent review.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Man charged over alleged stabbing and pursuit - Northern Rivers

Sunday, 08 December 2024 08:18:59 AM

A man will appear in court today via audio visual link after being charged following an alleged stabbing and pursuit in the Northern Rivers.

Emergency services were called to Ballanda Crescent, Iulka, about 4.30pm yesterday (Saturday 7 December 2024), following reports a man armed with a knife had allegedly forced his way into a home and attacked the resident.

Officers attached to Coffs-Clarence Police District attended along with NSW Ambulance paramedics, but the 58-year-old man died at the scene.

A crime scene was established and inquiries commenced into the circumstances surrounding his death.

A short time later, police attempted to stop a man driving a 4WD ute north along the Pacific Highway.

When the driver allegedly ignored police directions, a pursuit was initiated and continued north from Iluka to Woodburn, where road spikes were successfully deployed by officers attached to Coffs Traffic and Highway Patrol Command.

The ute continued to Uralba Street, Woodburn, where a 41-year-old man was arrested.

He was taken to Lismore Hospital for assessment, before being taken to Lismore Police Station and charged with murder, predatory driving and police pursuit-not stop-drive dangerously.

He was refused bail and will appear via audio visual link today in Parramatta Local Court.

Man charged over alleged DV and pursuits in Northern NSW

Saturday, 07 December 2024 07:18:56 AM

A man will appear in court today after being charged over an alleged domestic violence incident and a number of police pursuits in the state’s Northern Rivers.

On Sunday 17 November 2024, Richmond Police District commenced an investigation following an alleged domestic violence incident.

An arrest warrant was issued for a 22-year-old man.

Officers will allege in court the man engaged in pursuits on Monday 18 November 2024, Monday 2 December 2024 and Wednesday 4 December 2024 in a bid to avoid arrest.

About 5:45pm yesterday (Friday 6 December 2024), the 22-year-old was located traveling south on the M1 Motorway, Tweed Heads in a four wheel drive.

When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, a pursuit was initiated, before being terminated due to safety concerns.

A short time later, the four wheel drive exited the motorway at Minjungbal Drive, Banora Point and allegedly collided with a sedan which was stopped at traffic lights, pushing the stationary vehicle into a marked police car travelling in the opposite direction.

The 22-year-old man allegedly abandoned the four wheel drive and forcibly removed a male rider from a moped, before driving off.

The man allegedly drove at police vehicles on the M1, before falling off the bike and attempting to run from the scene.

He was arrested by officers and taken to Tweed Heads Police Station and charged with:

• Reckless grievous bodily harm (DV);

• Drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous;

• Negligent driving (no death or grievous bodily harm);

• Drive motor vehicle during disqualification period;

• Drive conveyance taken wihtout consent of owner;

• Use class A vehicle with unauthorised number plate affixed;

• Police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously;

• Destroy or damage property;

• Not give particulars to other driver;

• Assault with intent to take/drive motor vehicle - Drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous;

• Police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously;

• Hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty

He was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court today (Saturday 7 December 2024).

Appeal to locate men wanted on warrants - Coffs-Clarence Police District

Friday, 06 December 2024 06:03:46 PM

Please note: Images of the wanted men are available on Coffs-Clarence Police District’s Eyewatch social media site.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate two men wanted on outstanding arrest warrants by Coffs-Clarence Police District.

Richard Carey, aged 37, and Dray Riley, aged 26, are wanted on outstanding warrants for domestic violence offences.

Officers attached to Coffs-Clarence Police District are conducting inquiries into their whereabouts.

Richard is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm-180cm tall, of solid build, with black hair and facial hair, and blue eyes.

Dray is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm-180cm tall, of thin build, with black hair and facial hair, and brown eyes.

Anyone who sees the men is urged not to approach them but to call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Man charged after allegedly pointing gun at officer - Tabulam

Friday, 06 December 2024 10:40:33 AM

A man will face court today after he allegedly pointed a loaded gun at a police officer following a pursuit in the state’s far north east.

Officers attached to Richmond Police District attempted to stop a car due the alleged manner of driving in Tabulam about 3.30pm yesterday (Thursday 5 December 2024).

When the male driver allegedly failed to stop, police initiated a pursuit.

The driver stopped in Alice and when an officer attempted to arrest the man, he allegedly pointed a loaded pistol at the officer.

The officer discharged his Taser and the man was arrested.

During a search of the vehicle, police allegedly located and seized drugs, cash, ammunition and magazines, a balaclava, large machete and other drug paraphernalia.

The 24-year-old man was taken to Casino Police Station and charged with 17 offences:

> Police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly

> Possess unauthorised pistol

> Possess unauthorised firearm

> Possess loaded firearm public place

> Use, supply, acquire, possess stolen firearm or part

> Use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention

> Possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority

> Assault police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm

> Intimidate police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm

> Hinder or resist police officer in execution of duty

> Supply prohibited drug

> Drive motor vehicle during disqualification period

> Drive while licence cancelled

> Custody of knife in public place

> Two counts of knowingly deal with proceeds of crime

> Two counts of goods in personal custody suspected being stolen (not motor vehicle).

He was refused bail to appear at Casino Local Court today (Friday 6 December 2024).

Police will allege in court the pistol was stolen from a business in Armidale in September 2024.

Man charged after allegedly threatening staff with toy gun - Ballina

Friday, 06 December 2024 08:42:09 AM

A man has been charged after allegedly threatening bank employees on the states far north coast yesterday.

Police were told about 11am (Thursday 5 December 2024), a man entered a financial institution on River Street, Ballina, and allegedly threatened staff before showing an employee what appeared to be a firearm.

The man left and walked across the road to another financial institution where it is alleged he again threatened staff before showing the employees what was believed to be a firearm.

There were no reports of injuries.

Officers attached to Richmond Police District attended and arrested a 36-year-old man a short distance away on River Street, Ballina.

Police searched the man when they located a toy gun.

The man was taken to Ballina Police Station and charged with two counts stalk / intimidate intend fear physical harm.

He was refused bail and appeared before Ballina Local Court yesterday (Thursday 5 December 2024) and is now bail refused, to appear before the same court on Thursday 23 January 2025.

Man charged over alleged pursuit - Far North Coast

Wednesday, 04 December 2024 12:51:03 PM

A man will face court today charged over an alleged pursuit on the Far North Coast yesterday afternoon.

About 2.10pm yesterday (Tuesday 3 December 2024), officers attached to Tweed/Byron Police District were alerted by Queensland Police that an SUV – which was allegedly driving dangerously - had entered NSW near Tweed Heads and was being driven south along the M1.

NSW Police intercepted the SUV a short time later on the M1 at Cudgera Creek and attempted to stop the vehicle.

When the driver allegedly failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated, continuing south where road spikes were deployed.

The tyres deflated and the vehicle came to a stop on the M1 at Wardell where a 31-year-old Queensland man was arrested.

He was taken to Lismore Police Station where he was charged with police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously, learner not accompanied by driver/police officer/tester, class A motor vehicle exceed speed greater than 45km/h - estimated, drive vehicle under influence of drugs, refuse or fail to submit to breath test, and refuse or fail to submit to breath analysis.

He was refused bail to appear before Lismore Local Court today (Wednesday 4 December 2024).

Operation Five Valleys launched in Kyogle region, northern NSW, with a focus on this potential fire ant hot spot

NSW Dept. of Primary Industry, media release, 28 November 2024:

NSW Government’s fire ant protection activities ramp-up for busy QLD border-crossing period

Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW - Media Release

28 Nov 2024

The Minns Labor Government is ramping up its red imported fire ants program’s surveillance and response efforts to combat the potential spread of fire ants during the summer when cross border traffic increases.

The Government’s red fire ant program’s goal is to prevent red fire ants from entering New South Wales, and in the event they do, the program identifies infestations early and eradicates them swiftly.

Biosecurity detection dog ‘Candy’ seeks out fire ant nests during the NSW Governments recent early detection surveillance on the Tweed, under the watchful eye of Biosecurity detection dog trainer/handler, Ryan Tate from TATE Animals.

Operation Five Valleys in the Kyogle region was launched this week to focus on this potential hot spot and is spearheaded by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).

Last week another wave of Operation Victa, involving NSW Police and Transport for NSW, stopped 68 large vehicles at the NSW/Qld border to inspect compliance and turned around one vehicle from entering NSW under a direction from the officers.

This compliance activity follows the recent interception and eradication of fire ants found in a turf delivery from Queensland, which led to a swift response by the NSW Government suspending the importing of turf from southeast Queensland until that region’s landscape sector demonstrates better safeguarding behaviours.

These actions are part of the NSW Government’s ongoing detection and surveillance program across northern New South Wales.

Operation Five Valleys is undertaking the following:

• The Government’s specially trained detection dogs and human surveillance teams will be monitoring high-risk sites in Kyogle to detect fire ants.

• High-risk locations are identified with fire ant carrier materials, such as turf, soil, landscaping materials, plus areas highlighted by habitat suitability modelling.

• Areas near Cougal, Findon Creek, Lindesay Creek, Dairy Flat and Sawpit Creek have been identified as early detection areas to guard against the natural and human-assisted spread into NSW from QLD.

• A Check Your Yard campaign is being launched to encourage all residents to check their properties. Selected Landholders can also elect to have their properties checked at no cost.

• Plus, selected Landholders can have their properties checked at no cost.

To further support these efforts, the NSW Government has introduced updates to the Biosecurity Emergency Order, providing clear guidance and improved safeguards for stakeholders involved in the movement of fire ant carrier materials.

The Order now includes clearer fire ant carrier definitions, premises checking and treatment, plus clarified requirements, making it easier for stakeholders to fulfil their duties. For more information, Biosecurity Helpline 1800 680 244 or www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fire-ants.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty:

"The Minns Labor Government’s early detection surveillance program is part of our ongoing commitment to keep this highly invasive pest out of New South Wales.

“By focusing on high-risk areas and employing advanced tracking and modeling techniques, we’re taking strong preventative measures to stop fire ants from establishing here."

“We’ve proven that when fire ants are detected in NSW, we will respond quickly to control the situation and stamp them out.

“We will also take measures to address weak-link behaviours, such as banning QLD turf entering NSW after repeated problems.

“Fire ants won’t march or float into NSW they will either be carried with materials such as soil, mulch, hay and turf, or fly in by natural spread from QLD. Which is why we’re ramping up surveillance in these high-risk areas.

 

STATE OF PLAY NORTHERN RIVERS SPRING-SUMMER 2024: Fires and La Niña years have helped cane toads accelerate their spread in northern New South Wales

 

Atlasof Living Australia, Cane Toad Occurrence records map, Family Bufonidae, est 38,038 records 1990-2024

ABCNews, 23 November 2024:

When Rick Ensby spotted cane toads on his Woodford Island property, he was quick to call the local Clarence Landcare group.

The Woodford cattle grazier said a control officer spent nine days removing adults and metamorphs from the area.

"It had a massive effect on the number of cane toads for quite some time after," he said.

But several years later the notorious invasive pests are back in "huge numbers", despite the best efforts of Mr Nesby and his wife.

"We both work and we work the farm as well and it's quite time-consuming to go on an emu parade every night," he said.

"We definitely will do that because cane toads are quite [poisonous] to native animals and birds that we're a little bit attached to that live around the place.

"We grow hay and we don't want [cane toads] getting wrapped up in our bales of hay and possibly transported elsewhere."

But this time Clarence Landcare was only able to offer Mr Ensby collection buckets and handbooks as Local Land Services NSW (LLS) has discontinued control funding.

Funding redirected to studies

The NSW Cane Toad Biosecurity Zone shows areas in green where cane toads have become established. (Supplied: NSW Department of Primary Industries)

The Ensbys' property was previously in a DPI Cane Toad Biosecurity Zone, which meant all cane toad sightings had to be reported.

But that classification, made in 2017, has now expired.

LLS team leader for invasive pests, Dean Chamberlain, said field surveys were being conducted to determine the cane toad's range.

"We know from where the initial biosecurity line was when it was set up that they've moved considerable distances to the west and in reasonable distances to the south," he said.

"We could spend money now where control has been done in the past, but if it is 10 or 15 kilometres off the front line, then it's not really effective management of incursion."

The Ensbys' property was previously in a DPI Cane Toad Biosecurity Zone, which meant all cane toad sightings had to be reported.

But that classification, made in 2017, has now expired.

LLS team leader for invasive pests, Dean Chamberlain, said field surveys were being conducted to determine the cane toad's range.

"We know from where the initial biosecurity line was when it was set up that they've moved considerable distances to the west and in reasonable distances to the south," he said.

"We could spend money now where control has been done in the past, but if it is 10 or 15 kilometres off the front line, then it's not really effective management of incursion."

While cane toads have been spreading west at a rate of up to 60 kilometres a year in the tropical north of Australia, their spread south has generally been much slower.

But Charles Sturt University herpetologist Matthew Greenlees said that was changing.

"They were introduced around the Byron Bay area in the 1960s and they've spread relatively slowly compared to the expansion that we've seen in northern Australia," Dr Greenlees said.

"Since the bushfires and consecutive La Niña events and wet seasons, they just seem to be spreading more rapidly, particularly over the past three or four years.

"So from Angourie to Brooms Head [18km] it took them almost 30 years, but now from Brooms Head down to Diggers Camp [slightly further] we're talking five to six years."

Early signs this season

Clarence Landcare invasive species officer Matthew Morris said conditions had been perfect for breeding this season.

Bureau of Meteorology weather data shows Yamba received 615 millimetres of rain between May and August this year, almost double the seasonal average, and temperatures were also warmer than the median.

"I think the toads have done a little bit better during the winter," Mr Morris said.

"Coming out of winter we had that massive heatwave for a week and a half and that triggered a number of breeding events, which we saw very early in the season being reported to us."......

Cane Toad Calls

>https://www.pir.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0011/232004/cane_toads_call.mp3

RSPSA Knowledgebase, 17 January 2024:

Whatis the most humane way to kill a cane toad?

What killing methods are being recommended?

In 2011, the Australian Government released the Standard Operating Procedure for the Humane Field Euthanasia of Cane Toads (SOP) which was based on a comparative study of the humaneness of a range of different cane toad killing methods [1]. However, this SOP has not been updated and so omits some recently developed and evaluated methods, but it still contains some useful information. No methods are listed in the SOP as unconditionally acceptable, thus highlighting the need for more research to develop a humane killing method for cane toads.

The following method is the most humane currently available to the general public:

Cooling and then freezing – one study has shown that this method may be more humane than other methods [2, 3]. It involves placing the toad in a plastic bag or container ensuring that there is sufficient cool air around each individual toad to allow for uniform cooling and freezing (e.g. place toads individually in containers). Place the container(s) in the fridge at 4°C for 12 hours, and then after ensuring the toad is not moving (it is effectively anaesthetised), transferring it to a freezer (-20°C) for at least 24 hours to painlessly kill the toad.

Gloves must always be worn when handling toads. Toads must be confirmed dead before disposal.....

How do I know when a cane toad is dead?

When using any killing method, it is essential to confirm that the animal has died before disposing of its body. Determining death can be difficult with amphibians as their heart rate is difficult to detect and respiration can occur through the skin as well as the lungs. Absence of all of the following signs will confirm that the cane toad is dead (remember to wear thick plastic gloves when handling cane toads):

• Loss of righting reflex – the toad cannot turn itself over when placed onto its back

• Loss of withdrawal reflex – no response to a light squeezing of the skin in between the toes

• Loss of deep pain reflex – no response to moderate squeezing of the toes

• No respiratory movement – no throat movements that indicate breathing

• No heart activity – no chest movement or visible pulse

Always check for these signs and do not assume an animal is dead just because it is not moving or apparently not breathing. If death cannot be confirmed, then the killing procedure must be repeated.