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Fox control works will be undertaken at Hastings Point this week after fox activity was recently identified in the area.
Fox control works will start on Monday 6 September and run until Friday 10 September at Hastings Point. Yugari Road (the road to the lookout) and Cudgera Creek Park will be temporarily closed each evening from 7 pm to 5 am during this time.
Additional fox trapping work will be carried out in the Crown Reserve to the north and south of Cudgera Creek at Hastings Point from Monday 6 September to Friday 17 September (dates could be extended if necessary).
These works are needed to protect native fauna, including threatened birds such as the Beach Stone-curlews, and will be undertaken while the region is under COVID lockdown restrictions to minimise any potential impacts to the community.
A highly-experienced specialist contractor will carry out all works to reduce the overall fox population at Hastings Point.
Council’s Program Leader - Pest Management Wildlife Protection Pamela Gray said these works were important to ensure the protection of native wildlife and particularly the local Beach Stone-curlews, which are entering their breeding season.
“It’s crucial fox control programs are implemented to reduce fox numbers to allow the recovery of our Beach Stone-curlews at Hastings Point, which is home to one of just 9 known breeding pairs across NSW,” Ms Gray said.
“Without a reduction in current fox numbers, the Beach Stone-curlews are at risk of local extinction.”
Ms Gray urged the community to heed the warnings and look out for signage which will be in place at all entrances to trapping and control sites.
“Access to control sites is prohibited to everyone, except staff involved in the works. Please ensure you and your pets do not enter these areas,” she said.
The traps are camouflaged and can be difficult to see. Any domestic pets caught in the traps will be taken to Council’s interim animal holding facility. There are fees associated with the retrieval of registered domestic pets.
For any questions about these works, contact Council’s Program Leader - Pest Management Wildlife Protection on 02 6670 2400.
Visit Council’s website for more information on how to protect pets and livestock.
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