9 December 2004
Government launches Cane Toad Trap Competition
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Dr Chris Burns MLA
Minister for Parks and Wildlife
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The Territory Government has called on budding inventors Australia-wide to pit their wits against the cane toad.
The Great Cane Toad Trap Competition seeks entries from the public for traps and attractants to assist with controlling cane toad populations.
Parks and Wildlife Minister Dr Chris Burns said the winner would receive $16,000.
“Up to six entries – three for traps and three for attractants - will be short-listed and will receive $1000 each,” Dr Burns said.
“Staff from the NT Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment will then conduct field trials on the short-listed entries.
“A judging panel will select the winner, who will receive a prize of $10,000. The Pest Animal Control Cooperative Research Centre in Canberra will provide a further $5000 to assist the winner with commercialisation of their design.”
Factors that will be taken into consideration by the judging panel include portability, ease of use, size, impact on native species, cost, and prevention of cruelty.
Dr Burns said the Territory Government placed a priority on protecting the environment from the spread of the cane toad.
“We have succeeded in having the cane toad listed as a threatening process,” Dr Burns said.
“We have successfully lobbied for a national task force and have put in $300,000 to kickstart the national research funding pool to find a long-term biological solution.
“The Territory has also committed $300,000 to the Island Ark project to protect threatened species such as the northern quoll, and will also spend $120,000 on various projects including trap research.”
Entries for the Great Cane Toad Trap Competition close on 28 February 2005. Short-listed entries will be announced in mid-March, with the winner being announced by 29 April 2005.
Entry forms and further information on the competition can be found at www.canetoadtrap.nt.gov.au, or by telephoning (08) 8999 4463.