Over the years we have learned from experience that a small amount of coordination goes a long way with Red Card. Three years ago, funding reductions led Wheatbelt NRM to make the decision to let go of the state-wide coordination role. Despite the best efforts of the local area coordinators, overall, the program lost momentum and the number of shoots decreased.
Last year, with support from our Board, we reinvigorated the program with instant results in the number of events being held. Now, we are trying to understand the value that landholders and members of the community place on the program. If you are someone who has been touched by Red Card, in whatever capacity, we want to hear from you.
Get involved by completing this important survey:
Get on top of foxes and the damage they do, thanks to funding support from the State Government NRM Program. Wheatbelt NRM will be hosting the first of three 1080 accreditation workshops in Corrigin (in conjunction with Facey Group and CFIG) on the 21st February 2024. With two other events to be held in Wongan Hills on the 20th March and Merredin 25th March (Contact Jacquie Lucas if you are interested in attending these workshops).
You will walk away from these workshops with a thorough understanding of the use of 1080 in coordinated feral animal management as well as having completed the online certification required to then apply for a permit to purchase and use 1080 on your own property.
Another opportunity to get involved is to participate in a Red Card event. Dates for the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia WA Red Card events have been scheduled as a part of the Red Card for Rabbits and Foxes program for Autumn 2024. If you would like to coordinate an event in your area you can register your interest here:
https://www.redcard.org.au/registration
If you would like to participate in a registered event, you need to visit the above link and get in touch with the contact person listed for the event you are interested in attending. The contact person will let you know if that event has reached capacity or not. If they are still registering participants they will give you information on when and where to meet. It is important to realise that you may need to contact several event coordinators before finding an available event. This is tied into safety protocols.
Autumn is a perfect time to get serious about controlling foxes, cats and rabbits on your property because it is often a time when food sources are scarce, and these animals will be travelling far and wide for food and water. Reducing pest numbers at this time will result in less feral animals remaining come their breeding season. Also there will be less predation at lambing time.