RLPB rangers to meet in Newcastle

More than 100 Rural Lands Protection Board (RLPB) rangers from across the state will meet in Newcastle this week for the annual NSW Rangers Association Conference.

To be held at the Newcastle Jockey Club from 26 – 28 August, the conference is an important opportunity for delegates to discuss animal health and pest animal issues as well as the management of Travelling Stock Reserves.

Conference organiser and NSW Ranger’s Association President, Gerard O’Connor, said it was a great opportunity for rangers to learn and compare notes as well as hear about the latest techniques and products to assist them with their work.

“The conference will feature demonstrations and talks on topics including wild dog control innovations, saleyard compliance policy, pesticides, firearm legislation and preparing for the spring locust season.

“Other presentations include dealing with mice and rats, ranger involvement with RSPCA matters and radio tracking of foxes,” Gerard O’Connor said.

Guest speakers include Linton Staples from Animal Control Technologies and Roger de Keyzer and Rob Hunt from the Department of Environment and Climate Change.

Several rangers will also be delivering papers on programs they are involved in such as the successful ‘Fox lotto’ initiative being run by the Dubbo RLPB.

The State Council of RLPBs will also be discussing RLPB reforms and provide an update on the implementation process and how the changes will impact on the work carried out by rangers.

RLPB rangers are critical to the delivery of frontline animal health and pest animal service across NSW and provide invaluable knowledge of their local board area and the type of livestock and agricultural production carried out in the region.

More than 1200 pest control programs are carried out each year across the state by rangers on both private and public land to control wild dogs, foxes, rabbits, pigs, and plague locusts.

Rangers also perform an important regulatory service with their presence at saleyards to ensure that buyers and sellers are complying with various requirements including the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS).

During the latter part of 2007 rangers also played an integral role in helping to eradicate Equine Influenza.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Kelly Ingham – State Council (02) 6391 3242 Mob 0428 465 378

    Gerard O’Connor – Northern Slopes RLPB 0427 711 361