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Southern Ark – protecting the splendour of East Gippsland

The member for Morwell, Brendan Jenkins, today launched an ambitious new project designed to protect the native fauna of East Gippsland from foxes.

By Department of Sustainability and Environment - 24th November 2003 - Back to News

Mr Jenkins said: "Southern Ark is the first large-scale fox control project in south-eastern Australia. It builds on many years of research that confirms the positive impact that fox control has on the health of ecosystems."

"Foxes have been with us since the 1870s and during that time they have caused untold damage. Through the careful use of targeted and ongoing baiting, Southern Ark will lead to the establishment of East Gippsland as the largest area in south-eastern Australia where native animals can reach natural population levels."

Studies both here and in Western Australia have shown that populations of native mammals, birds and reptiles begin to recover in areas where effective fox control techniques are consistently applied.

Southern Ark will systematically use buried baits across an area of almost a million hectares and carefully monitor consumption of the baits on a regular basis.

"The advantages of this system includes ease of operation, cost effectiveness, consistency of approach, and confidence that this type of baiting will not cause any problems for the native species we are seeking to protect," Mr Jenkins said.

"We’re aiming to create a situation where mammals such as potoroos, bandicoots and rock-wallabies will benefit. But there should also be positive results for other species, including a wide range of birds, from the endangered Little Tern, Fairy Tern and Hooded Plover to the Emu."

"Even some of our native predators will also benefit from having fewer foxes to compete with – animals like large forest owls, Spot-tailed Quolls and Diamond Pythons," he said.

The fox is believed to have contributed to the extinction of at least 20 native Australian mammals. Examples in East Gippsland include the Pademelon and Eastern Quoll.

Mammals play a number of important roles in the forest ecosystem. These include pollination and seed dispersal for native plants, the dispersal of fungal spores important for plant growth, soil aeration and the break down of leaf litter through digging and raking.

Information on Southern Ark can be found on the Department of Sustainability and Environment’s website (www.dse.vic.gov.au/southernark) and from the DSE Customer Service centre on 136 186.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  More than 350 people joined East Gippsland's Youth Agritech Expo, where students explored hands-on agricultural innovations, from drones to driverless tractors, sparking fresh excitement about farming's high-tech, diverse, and innovative future.
• Darren Chester commends Mac Waste Group for community commitment and support for Gippsland families
  Darren Chester praised Mac Waste Group for its community commitment, local job creation, youth training initiatives, and support for Gippsland families through its partnership with the Little Jem Foundation and fundraising efforts.
• Tim Bull slams Labor's cuts to 'Youth Crime Prevention', unveils $100M Safer Communities Plan
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull criticised Labor's youth crime prevention cuts, promoting The Nationals' $100 million Safer Communities Plan combining tougher laws with prevention programs to improve safety and restore community confidence.
• Tim Bull slams government over firewood shortages, fuel loads and lack of practical solutions
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has slammed government policy for firewood shortages, warning rising bush fuel loads pose serious risks, calling for extended collection areas, longer seasons and practical fire management.
• Tim Bull demands transparency on missing $13.15M for cancelled Marlo to Cape Conran pathway
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has demanded answers on the missing $13.15 million for the cancelled Marlo - Cape Conran pathway, urging funds be redirected locally if the project is abandoned.
• Tim Bull demands end to brumby shooting as pest and weed control programs face cuts
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has urged the state government to scrap its costly brumby shooting program, criticising cuts to pest and weed control services vital for farmers and rural communities.
• Spring flows planned to support native fish migration and river health across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA's Environmental Water team is planning Spring river flows to support native fish migration, enhance river health, and balance environmental care with community enjoyment of waterways.
• Labor government delivers $2.73M Sale Hospital upgrade, modernising Community Services building for Gippsland healthcare staff
  The Allan Labor government is delivering a $2.73 million upgrade to Sale Hospital's historic Community Services Building, modernising facilities for healthcare workers, patients, and students through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund.
• Forge Theatre's school holiday season brings classic tales, comedy chaos and heartfelt community spirit to East Gippsland
  The Forge Theatre's school holiday season features The Velveteen Rabbit, Polite Mammals, and The Heartbreak Choir, offering family fun, comedy, and heartfelt community spirit with something for everyone to enjoy.
• Have your say on the 2027 transition to Pre-Prep and help shape early learning in South Gippsland
  South Gippsland Shire Council is seeking feedback from parents and carers to help shape how the Victorian government's 2027 Pre-Prep program is delivered locally to meet community needs.