Feral goat control in the Northern and Yorke region

Natural Resources Northern and Yorke will soon undertake a feral goat removal project in the region, beginning Friday, 21 March 2014.

Following the devastating bushfire which affected a considerable area at Bangor, efforts are being carried out to help the area recover.

To provide the best opportunity for flora and fauna to recover in the region following the bushfires, an integrated aerial and on-ground management program will target the reduction of feral goats in the Bangor region.

Southern Flinders/Upper North District Manager, Danny Doyle said there is a host of reasons why the management of feral goats is crucial to the overall region’s health.

“Feral goats compete with livestock for feed and contribute to total grazing pressures in the region,” Danny said.

“It is especially important to reduce the grazing impacts of feral goats at this time to give native vegetation every opportunity to regenerate after the Bangor fire.”

Mr Doyle said the number of feral goats in the region remains high, however controlling numbers is important to not only landholders, but many threatened species.

“There were concerns around the numbers of yellow-footed rock wallabies following the Bangor bushfire, fortunately there remains a healthy amount,” he said.

“Providing these native species with the best chance to survive and recover is an important aspect to the feral goat removal program.”

Landholders are also responsible for the control of feral goats on their properties, under the Natural Resources Management Act (2004).

Many landholders across the Northern and Yorke region, South Australian Murray-Darling Basin region and the South Australian Arid Lands region have been involved in programs aimed at reducing feral goat numbers, in coordination with the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR).

Feral goats are mainly present in the northern ranges and pose a threat to vegetation in agricultural and conservation areas.

The community is asked to remain clear of the Bangor area whilst the program is carried out. It is expected to be complete by the end of the weekend.

For further information, please contact Natural Resources Northern and Yorke Clare Office on 8841 3444, or visit www.nynrm.sa.gov.au.