South East region local achievement report

Chair foreword

I am delighted to share with you the achievements of the South East in 2024, addressing the diverse needs of our region in biosecurity, livestock welfare, natural resource management and agricultural advisory services. 

Throughout the year, our dedicated team has continued to support local landholders, providing expert guidance on animal welfare, seasonal updates, and decision-making workshops aimed at safeguarding land and livestock. A standout achievement this year has been our ongoing efforts to reduce the impact of feral pig populations, which continues to be a priority focus. 

We have remained focused on securing additional funding to combat erosion, deepen our understanding of threatened species, and restore key habitats. This work is being carried out in close partnership with land managers, community and Aboriginal groups. Through our collaboration with the community- based Feral Fighters groups, our ongoing dedication to vertebrate pest control has led to significant achievements, reducing land degradation and mitigating biosecurity risks in priority landscapes. 

Our commitment to fostering strong partnerships with land managers remains crucial to our success. I extend my thanks to the new board members for their contributions, as well as to all board members for their support in ensuring the South East’s continued growth and resilience. 

Fay Steward 
Chair, South East local board

Collaboration with community - Pest control success

In 2024, the biosecurity team led an impressive effort to combat pest animals, achieving significant results in fox and wild dog control. 

A total of 95,031 fox baits were distributed across 1,328,463 hectares of land, with 3,791 landholders receiving direct, one-on-one support to address fox-related damage. Wild dog control also saw major engagement, with 31,240 baits issued across 709,095 hectares and 849 landholders receiving tailored support. 

Effective pest animal control can only occur with the cooperation of landholders and this year a strong emphasis was placed on empowering the community to take an active role in pest control efforts. 

The program’s impact was further strengthened through the support of 89 Feral Fighter groups and 13 wild dog working groups, driving coordinated action across the region. 

Additionally, 11 pest control focused workshops, attended by 129 participants provided important training on advanced pest management techniques. Resourced with free poison baits, traps and expert advice, the program equipped landholders to take effective action, protecting primary production and safeguarding native animals.

Achievements

• 3,240,341 ha of vertebrate pest control
• 7 Aboriginal projects to protect Aboriginal cultural heritage and/or traditional ecological knowledge
• 212 animal disease surveillance investigations
• 10,405 1:1 advice consultations
• 4,983 participants at awareness raising/capacity building events
• 12.5% of staff trained for an emergency response role
• 260 ha of threatened species or ecological communities enhanced, rehabilitated or protected
• 51,253 ha of land improved for agricultural production
• 2,513 holdings participating in pest animal control
• 28 ha of river/estuary enhanced, rehabilitated or protected.