Media release

9 February 2015

TBfree to meet North Buller residents over planned pest control

OSPRI’s TBfree programme has listened to the local community and will present new plans for its Buller North aerial 1080 possum control operation at a meeting in Ngakawau Hall on Wednesdayevening.

The operation was originally planned for last spring, but was postponed in response to community concerns about proximity to water supplies and residential areas.

OSPRI Northern South Island Programme Manager Matthew Hickson said some boundaries for the planned operation will be changed, and additional precautions will be taken to reduce risks to dogs.

“We have listened to the community and, as a result, are planning to push the boundaries of the operation further away from the Hector, Granity and Millerton areas in particular,” said Mr Hickson.

“We will also provide for more frequent checking of beaches and other areas where poisoned possums could wash up after the operation and pose a risk to dogs.”

Mr Hickson said TBfree has written to all affected parties with details of the planned operation, including all landowners within or adjacent to the operational area. Contractors have also been re-visiting land occupiers in the areas of most concern.

“We want to work with the community to deliver a safe, effective pest control operation that will have major benefits for both bovine TB control and biodiversity protection.”

Doors will be open for the meeting from 5:30 pm, with a presentation from TBfree staff commencing at 6pm.

-ends-

© Scoop Media