Pest Animal Management
Land users are responsible for managing pest animals on their land. Information on the identification and management of pest animals is provided below, along with the council services that support Gympie residents in the management of pest animals.
What is a pest animal?
Pest animals, also called restricted invasive animals, are widespread in Queensland, and affect primary industries, the natural environment, livestock, human health and people's livelihoods.
Pest animals that are declared under the Biosecurity Act 2014 include:
- Prohibited invasive animals (not yet present in QLD)
- Restricted invasive animals (established in QLD)
- Other invasive animals (not declared)
Council can provide advice to land users managing pest animals. Call 1300 307 800 if you need help.
Wild Dog Safety
Gympie Regional Councils Biosecurity Unit and Regulatory Services Unit, with the support of Tin Can Bay Police delivered a Dingo & Wild Dog Community Forum to the Cooloola Coast Community at the Tin Can Bay RSL.
The forum provided important information to the Cooloola Coast Community on how to remain safe and protect themselves, their families and their pets from the risks presented by dingoes and wild dogs.
The forum also provided information to the community on what services Gympie Regional Council can offer in regard to support and what process residents can follow if they sight or have an interaction with a dingo or a wild dog.
The presentation provided to community is here and a summary of how to keep yourself, family and pets safe is here.
Trap Loan
Residents can loan a cage trap for wild dogs, feral cats, foxes, and rabbits. Council also has pen traps available for the control of feral pigs.
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To determine if cage trapping is appropriate for your needs, consider the information supplied here by - PestSmart (trapping of wild dogs using cage traps (DOF002) Standard operating procedure).
You will need to have access to a licenced firearm holder to provide humane euthanasia for the ENTIRE trapping program.
Council do not loan traps for the purpose of wild dog trapping, however can provide information on appropriate control methods for wild dogs, based on your land use and needs – please contact council on 1300 307 800
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To determine if cage trapping is appropriate for your needs, consider the information supplied here by - PestSmart (trapping of feral cats using cage traps (CAT002) standard operating procedure).
Trapped cats can be taken to Gympie’s RSPCA to check for microchip and rehoming possibilities – call RSPCA on 5482 9407 to check opening hours so trapping is only performed on the days the RSPCA will be open, if this is your chosen method of dealing with the cat.
Alternatively, you will need to have access to a licenced firearm holder to provide humane euthanasia for the ENTIRE trapping program.
Please contact council on 1300 307 800 to submit a trap loan request.
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To determine if cage trapping is appropriate for your needs, consider the information supplied here by - PestSmart (trapping of foxes using cage traps (FOX006) standard operating procedure).
You will need to have access to a licenced firearm holder to provide humane euthanasia for the ENTIRE trapping program.
Please contact council on 1300 307 800 to submit a trap loan request.
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Feral pigs cause agricultural damage through preying on newborn lambs, reducing crop yields, damaging fences and water sources, and competing with stock for feed by consuming or damaging pasture.
To determine if cage trapping is appropriate for your needs, consider the information provided here by - PestSmart (trapping of feral pigs (PIG001) standard operating procedure).
You will need to have access to a licenced firearm holder to provide humane euthanasia for the ENTIRE trapping program.
Please contact council on 1300 307 800 to submit a trap loan request.
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To determine if cage trapping is appropriate for your needs, consider the information provided here by - PestSmart (trapping using soft net traps (GEN003) standard operating procedure).
Note that council loans cage traps, but the procedure remains the same.
You will need to have access to a licenced firearm holder to provide humane euthanasia for the ENTIRE trapping program, or an alternative humane euthanasia method, as per procedure GEN003. If you are able to deliver the trapped rabbit to Gympie, council can assist with euthanasia.
Please contact council on 1300 307 800 to submit a trap loan request.
You may also be interested in rabbit biocontrol – RHDV (below).
Wild dog and feral pig bounty claim
Council has a ‘bounty program’ to help landholders and pest controllers with management of these pest species, within the Gympie region.
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Please read the Bounty program information sheet here and if you meet the criteria (bounty MUST be collected from a property within the Gympie region), you can download and fill out the following forms:
- New suppliers will receive an email from eftsure, asking you to register. Instructions are here.
- To claim a bounty payment, complete the form here
As per the Bounty program information sheet, please contact Council on 1300 307 800 to make an appointment to submit your completed paperwork and wild dog scalps and/or feral pig snouts for bounty claim. Bounty may be submitted by appointment only at the Old Bank Building, 46 Nash St, Gympie or The Kilkivan Branch Office, 26 Bligh St, Kilkivan.
1080 Baiting
Council has a twice yearly 1080 baiting program for the control of wild dogs, foxes and feral pigs. Council’s Coordinated baiting programs are generally run around April and September each year (weather/resource dependant).
Click here to find out more for our April 2025 baiting program. Register your interest here.
Council can support landowners to conduct 1080 baiting programs at other times during the year by appointment.
Please call 1300 307 800 to find out if you are eligible for this service.
Please read the procedure for ground baiting with 1080 for the invasive species you wish to control, listed below, and consider the information contained within to determine if 1080 baiting is appropriate for your needs.
Please Note : You are required to notify all adjacent and adjoining property owners/users of the property laying 1080 baits. Contact council if you require a list of names and addresses for notification purposes.
Other Controls
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Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD) is used in Australia to minimise the impacts of the introduced European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) on agricultural production and the environment.
Please read the GRC RHDV rabbit control advice sheet and also consider Pestsmart Bait delivery of RHDV-K5 (RAB011) Standard operating procedure to determine if a RHD release is appropriate for your needs.
If you would like to participate in a RHDV rabbit control program, please call council on 1300 307 800.
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Poisoning with pindone is used to minimise the impact of the introduced European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) on agricultural production and the environment.
Please consider the information from - PestSmart (ground baiting of rabbits with Pindone (RAB004) standard operating procedure) to determine if pindone is appropriate for your needs. Council is not actively involved in pindone releases on private property – contact your local rural supplier for more information.
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HOGGONE meSN feral pig bait is currently available as a manufactured bait from Animal Control Technologies Australia – https://animalcontrol.com.au/products/hoggone.
This product must be used in conjunction with the HogHopper bait delivery system and Council has two of these bait boxes for loan to Gympie residents baiting with HOGGONE.
- Click here for Hoggone sodium nitrite baiting advice
- Click here for the ACTA Hoggone booklet
- Click here for Hoggone meSN APVMA label and leaflet
Council does not use coordinate the use of Hoggone for feral pig control on private property, but you can contact Council on 1300 307 800 to arrange for bait box loan.
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Council’s Pigeon Control Program
In response to these growing issues, Gympie Regional Council has engaged a professional contractor with extensive experience in avian management across Australia. The contractor is currently implementing a targeted control program within the region.
How the Program Works
The control strategy involves two primary methods:
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Trapping – Using humane cage traps to capture and remove pigeons.
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Narcotising – A secondary method for birds that avoid traps, using a registered narcotising agent to safely sedate them.
When the control program takes place
The pigeon control program typically takes place each year around April and September.
Current control locations
- Bent Street
- Gympie Aquatic Recreation Centre
- Area around Channon Street, Mary Street, and Nash Street
What Is Alphachloralose?
Alphachloralose is a sedative specifically approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) for bird control. It is considered one of the safest and most humane methods available and is only accessible to trained and licensed Pest Management Technicians.
Used at regulated doses, Alphachloralose is rarely fatal and poses minimal risk to non-target species. If a member of the public finds an animal that may have been affected, they are advised to place it in a warm, dark place (such as a ventilated box) until it recovers. Residents can also contact Council to arrange collection, or they may release the bird once it has recovered.
What should I do if I see a sick or dead pigeon?
Contact Council on 1300 307 800 and we will organise for the bird/s to be collected.
Impacts of pigeons in our region:
Health Risks
Pigeons are known carriers of multiple zoonotic diseases — illnesses that can be passed from animals to humans. Some of the diseases linked to pigeons include:
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Histoplasmosis – a fungal infection affecting the lungs
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Pigeon Ornithosis (Chlamydiosis) – a bacterial infection causing flu-like symptoms and pneumonia
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Salmonella – a common bacterial infection leading to food poisoning
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Cryptococcosis – a fungal infection that may impact the lungs and nervous system
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Toxoplasmosis – a parasitic disease especially dangerous for pregnant women
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Encephalitis – brain inflammation that can be transmitted by parasites carried by pigeons
Pigeons also carry ectoparasites such as mites, fleas, and ticks, which can spread additional diseases and cause discomfort. Pigeons are known vectors for more disease agents than rats or mice.
Property Damage
Pigeons can cause substantial damage to buildings and infrastructure. Their droppings are highly acidic and corrosive, eroding surfaces like stone, concrete, and metal. Gutters, rooftops, paintwork, and structural elements are all susceptible. Each pigeon produces up to 10 kg of waste per year.
Nests built in vents and near electrical components can also create fire hazards. In some local buildings, pigeons have established roosting areas within ceiling spaces, requiring costly cleanup and removal of faeces and associated pests such as mites.
At the Gympie Aquatic Recreation Centre (ARC), staff are spending up to an hour each morning cleaning pigeon droppings from public areas, including walkways, BBQs, and outdoor dining spaces.
Environmental Impact
Pigeons disrupt local ecosystems by outcompeting native birds for food and nesting sites. Their foraging and droppings can alter plant growth and soil composition, leading to longer-term ecological changes.
Thanks to recent control efforts, enough pigeons have been removed to prevent the deposition of over 10 tonnes of manure throughout the township.
Public Nuisance
Large flocks of pigeons can create significant inconvenience in public spaces. They frequently:
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Invade dining and recreational areas
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Defecate on walkways, benches, and outdoor fixtures
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Startle or distract drivers (especially under the Mellor Street railway bridge, where pigeons are regularly hit by vehicles)
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Disturb residents and visitors when preyed upon by raptors in public settings
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Taking a proactive approach to pest animal control is generally much better than waiting for problems to occur.
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Deciding on a pest management strategy early allows you to plan your activities and allocate a budget for dealing with your pest animal problems. Click here for more information from the Business Queensland website.
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Integrated pest management recognises that in many situations, effective, long-term control of pest animals is best achieved by combining several complementary control methods. https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/land-management/health-pests-weeds-diseases/pests/controlling/methods
Complementary control methods include:
- chemical control - using pesticides and insecticides to control pest animals (baiting)
- physical control - using mechanical tools, equipment and machinery to capture, exclude or destroy pest animals, including trapping, shooting, harbour destruction and fencing.
- biological control - using animal-specific diseases to control pest animal populations (including RHDV) or protecting livestock with guardian animals.
Gympie region biosecurity plan
For information regarding the Gympie Region biosecurity plan, please click here.
Top 6 pest animals in the Gympie Region
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Wild dog
A medium-sized canid with a lean, hardy body designed for speed, agility, and stamina.
Wild dogs are a major pest species impacting on grazing industries and the environment. They prey on livestock and native animals. (includes all wild-living dogs, such as dingoes, stray and escaped domestic dogs, and their hybrids).
For Council supported management tools, click here (go to Council services).
• Advice on control techniques
• Cage trapping
• Baiting (1080, PAPP, CPEs)
Call 1300 307 800 to get involved.Visit the Wild Dog toolkit for management info:
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Foxes
A small to medium sized canid, red foxes have a long body and tail, covered in red fur (colour morphs also include silver, black and platinum). They have black fur on their feet, the tips of their ears, and a distinctive white tuft at the end of the tail.
Foxes pose a threat to livestock, as they prey on poultry, lambs and goat kids. In high density areas they may also be a health risk to humans and pets, through transmission of diseases. (such as distemper, parvo virus and mange.
For details on Council supported management tools, click here (go to Council services)..
• Advice on control techniques
• Cage trapping
• Baiting (1080, PAPP, CPEs)
Call 1300 307 800 to get involved.
Got to the European foxes toolkit
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Feral pig
Feral pigs are typically smaller, leaner and more muscular than domestic pigs, with well-developed shoulders and neck, and smaller, shorter hindquarters. The coat is usually black, buff, or black-and-white spotted.
Feral pigs are a serious environmental and agricultural pest across Australia. They prey on native animals, kill young livestock, and dig up large expanses of soil and vegetation in search of food. Feral pigs are often found around wetlands and river systems where they foul the water and cause erosion.
For Council supported management tools, click here (go to Council services).
• Advice on control techniques
• Pen trapping
• Baiting (1080 and Hoggone)
Call 1300 307 800 to get involved.Go to the feral pig toolkit
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Feral cat
The Feral Cat has a similar appearance to domestic cats, but often has increased muscle development, particularly around head, neck and shoulders. All have usual cat coat colours.
Feral cats are the same species as domestic cats but live, hunt and reproduce in the wild. They are carnivores and exceptional hunters preying on and killing vast numbers of native animals. Cats are solitary animals and mainly hunt at night.
For Council supported management tools, click here (go to Council services).
• Advice on control techniques
• Cage trapping
• Baiting (1080)
Call 1300 307 800 to get involved.Go to the Feral cat toolkit
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Rabbits
Rabbit
Rabbits are small, furry, mammals with long ears, short fluffy tails, and strong, large hind legs. They have 2 pairs of sharp incisors.
Rabbits damage native plants and directly compete with native wildlife for food and shelter. They reduce crop yields and prevent seedlings from growing. Their digging and browsing leads to a loss of vegetation cover, which results in slope instability and soil erosion.
Rabbits are Australia’s most widespread and destructive environmental and agricultural vertebrate pest.
For Council supported management tools, click here (go to Council services).
• Advice on rabbit control techniques
• Cage trapping
• Baiting
• Biocontrol
Call 1300 307 800 to get involved.Go to the Rabbit toolkit
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Tilapia
Tilapia, an introduced fish species, is considered a major threat to Australia’s native aquatic biodiversity.
Their presence in the Mary River poses a serious risk to the local ecosystem. Tilapia aggressively compete for habitat and food, disrupt plant beds while nesting, and prey on the eggs and young of native fish species.
They reproduce rapidly, holding over 1,000 eggs in their mouths at any given time, making them as destructive to our waterways.
Local species, such as the iconic Mary River Cod, are also at risk if Tilapia numbers continue to increase in the region.Go to the Tilapia toolkit
Useful resources
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Fact sheets have been produced by Biosecurity Queensland for invasive plants and animals, and contain helpful information about identifying, and ways of managing or controlling pest plants and animals.
Head to this link for more info: https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/biosecurity/invasive-plants-animals/fact-sheets
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PestSmart provides best practice information on how to plan, manage and improve pest animal control programs in Australia. Popular info include the wild dog, feral pig, fox and rabbit management tool kits.
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Record pest animal activity in your local area to protect farms, biodiversity and communities. Use the information and tools to develop an integrated pest management plan.