A cooperative effort by Local Government is set to tackle one of Australia’s major pests. Rabbits, foxes and blackberries have been the subject of extensive campaigns to reduce their destructive impact on the environment but the devastating effects of European carp in our waterways receive less publicity.
The 90 Local Government bodies from Victoria, South Australia and NSW which form the Murray Darling Association, based around Australia’s largest river system, have secured substantial funding from the Natural Heritage Trust to attack the carp issue.
The National Carp Task Force was established by the Association in 1996. Comprising representatives from the community, Local Government, research bodies, State and Federal agencies and recreational and commercial fishing groups, it is managing the funds as part of the four year Murray Darling 2001 Fish Rehabilitation Program.
Max Moor, President of the Murray Darling Association, said the funding was a positive response to Local Government and community concerns that there appeared to be a decline in research into the problem.
“Through the Murray Darling Association and the National Carp Task Force, Local Government had convinced the Federal Government that something needed to be done urgently,” he said. “The strong support of the Association’s 90 Council members was very important in getting Government support for the program.”
The Association believes the program will play a key role in managing river health, improving native fish numbers and addressing other problems relating to degradation of our river systems. Following on the success of the Pilby Creek project in South Australia, which restored a wetland compromised by carp, the Task Force aims to hold community forums on carp. It will also develop a database and educational materials on the pest.
Thinking laterally, it will explore the potential for commercially marketing carp for local and international markets. In 1996, lobbying by the Association and the Task Force was successful in establishing a national approach to carp control. This led to the National Carp Control Coordinating Group, providing a national and strategic approach to research and management.
For further information contact Adrian Wells, Manager Murray Darling Association, telephone (02) 6021 3655.
