$28,000 fines threatened in bid to save tiny fish

Alex de Vos
Farmers face fines of up to $28,000 in a bid to protect the region’s “nationally-significant” Yarra pygmy perch from extinction, authorities have warned.
Department of Primary Industries pest management officer Caleb Hurrell said authorities would target farmers failing to control rabbits and gorse on their properties.
He urged landowners to clean up their act after an inspection of more than 100 properties around Freshwater Creek revealed “some” farmers “weren’t doing their bit”.
Mr Hurrell said infestations of weeds and rabbits along Thompson Creek, north of Torquay, were threatening the habitats of the small, grey fish.
“Weeds and rabbits affect native plants and animals and also the agricultural productivity of the region,” Mr Hurrell said.
“Landowners have an obligation to control declared pests on their properties and employ affective measures to minimise the impact on the wider community.
“As good neighbours and as part of the community, we’re encouraging owners to get on top of it.”
Corangamite Catchment Management Authority acting coordinator Craig Clutterbuck said officers would slug careless landowners with $28,000 fines.
“Landholders failing to control or eradicate invasive plants or animals dependant on their classification face fines of up to $28,000 for non-compliance in recognition to the threats posed to both agriculture and the environment” Mr Clutterbuck said.
“The total cost of pest species in Victoria is estimated to be $900 million per year.”
Corangamite Catchment Management Authority river health coordinator Peter Swanson said autumn was the “most effective” time to control rabbits.
“Breeding has ceased, food is limited and diseases are at their most active,” Mr Swanson said.
He urged owners to adopt an “integrated approach involving ripping warrens, fumigation and harbour removal”.
“This will result in a longer term impact on the rabbit population and reduce their destructive influence on the land and associated waterways.”