From: Ann & Alexander Sloane [aasloane@bigpond.com]
Sent: Tuesday, 2 September 2003 1:13 PM
To: ECITA, Committee (SEN)
Subject: Feral Fauna & Flora

Dear Sir/Madam,

We are writing to encourage the Senate to fully investigate the damage being inflicted on agriculture and the natural environment by many feral species.

The damage to our annual lambing season by the fox is well documented, and despite intense baiting programmes in both autumn and spring, there are always those bait-shy animals which escape.  Likewise for our shooting programme, where light-shy animals are not easily controlled. 

The fox is also responsible for a serious decline in ground-dwelling marsupials and birds, in particular brolgas and curlews, both of which used to inhabit swamps and natural areas on our farm, but now only occur in small numbers. 

The feral cat causes similar declines in ground-dwellers, but also in tree dwellers such as the rare sugar glider and many species of birds, such as the endangered Superb Parrot, which frequents our box-pine woodland over summer & autumn.

We would strongly encourage the Senate to more adequately fund programmes to control the spread and damage inflicted by both the fox and feral cat.  The introduction of the bounty scheme for both species would provide incentive for reluctant land-holders to extend control programmes.  Government agencies could actively promote control programmes through many agencies.

Many other feral species warrant extensive control programmes, and we recommend that the Senate undertake the fullest measures to reduce the damage being inflicted upon our country.

Yours sincerely,

Alexander & Ann Sloane,

Savernake Station, SAVERNAKE  NSW  2646

02 6035 9415