Driving through the residential area of East Ridgley on Thursday March 7, I couldn’t believe my eyes. 1080 Fox Bait signs were plastered all over the gates of Burnie’s main water supply at Pet Dam.
The Fox Bait signs clearly indicated February 2013 baiting dates.
This complex is now managed by Cradle Mountain Water. Their signs very clearly state: Do not pollute. !080 is one of the most toxic poisons known to mankind. I found it quite bewildering … and terrifying.
I phoned the Burnie Mayor, Steve Kons …and it quickly became clear the head of Burnie ratepayers knew nothing of this atrocity. Steve Kons said he would urgently seek an explanation from Cradle Mountain Water and the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment.
All major newspapers and the ABC were notified of this story. Only The Advocate bothered to send a reporter and photographer to the site.
The Advocate rang me at 4.40pm on Friday and said they were not run ning the story – which I had been told would publish Saturday, March 9.
The reporter said they had received several phone calls from DPIWE – and they doubted the authenticity of my photos.
The reporter wanted to see the times and dates on my camera … even though I had sent them copies of the photos in question.
Sounds to me like another intimidated journalist … something I’d had previous experience of.
On this occasion the ABC said they would send a crew to cover illegal baiting for foxes in Calder Forest. The journalist I spoke to (whom I respect and admire) was all over the story at 9.30am but at 11.30am it was canned (not of her doing I believe).
The Calder Forest and Pet Dam incidents clearly violate the DPIWE’s own code of 1080 practice – and are/were a danger to the public, wildlife and domestic animals and pets:
http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/internnsf/Attachments/MMAN-84N49M/$FILE/Fact%20Sheet%2001_1080%20Characteristics%20&%20Use.pdf
In a recent ABC The Country Hour interview the FEP/ISB revealed what they can and cannot bait:
http://www.abc.net.au/rural/tas/content/2013/02/s3692641.htm
And, part of a transcript from ABC Country Hour, 18 February 2013
Reporter: Jane Ryan
Jane Ryan: Yeap. Well I don’t know… does this spot look good?
Sally Ridgeway [FEP Bait layer]: Yeap. If you have a look at ahh… the GPS you can see we are outside the danger zone. The first couple of paddocks that we came through there’s a house there; there’s one on the top side of the road, there’s also a couple of tanks, there’s also a couple of gates … all of which restrict what we can and can’t do.
Jane Ryan: So working with that exclusion zone, what makes a good spot to lay bait for a fox?
Sally Ridgeway: Well it depends on ahhm… the contour.
Why then are the Ridgley 1080 baits and signs only a few metres from many residences?
What has happened to journalism in this State. Are we living in North Korea?
Grow some gonads journos … they haven’t got any money to sue you anyway!
– Ian Rist
Ian Rist
March 10, 2013 at 09:55
A quick email to the Manager of the FEP/ISB …
Mr Craig Elliott cc Minister Wightman… received the following response and I must state Mr Elliott was courteous and professional.
Manager
Fox Eradication Project/ Invasive Species Branch
DPIPWE
Please treat this request as a matter of urgency… it has come to my attention that your bait layers are actually breaking your own claimed strict protocols that the FEP?/ISB are suppose to follow , as you so highlighted the importance of on ABC Rural with Jane Ryan:
http://www.abc.net.au/rural/tas/content/2013/02/s3692641.htm this is an issue of principle and I am placing you on notice, please may I have a written explanation Mr Elliott?
I have much photographic evidence of two cases in particular…with out elaborating 1080 fox baits have been laid illegally and in violation of your own code . http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/internnsf/Attachments/MMAN-84N49M/$FILE/Fact Sheet 01_1080 Characteristics & Use.pdf
Sincerely
Ian Rist
Reply from Mr Elliott
Thank you for your email Mr Rist
Could you provide some evidence of this? A lot of claims are made about the FEP and alleged misdeeds so please excuse me if I don’t immediately accept your claims as truth. You mention photos in your email. Could you provide those photos and the specific locations, ideally with GPS coordinates, to me?
Regards
Craig Elliott
(cont.)
David Obendorf
March 10, 2013 at 09:56
From the [b]Fox Eradication Program[/b] Fact Sheet 1 – dated August 2010, DPIPWE
[b]FOX BAIT LAYING REQUIREMENTS[/b]
[i]Strict measures are taken to ensure fox baiting programs are safe for the community and the environment.[/i]
[b]Fox baits are not laid within[/b]:[i]
• 20 metres from permanent or flowing water.
• 5 metres of a neighbouring property boundary without the written consent of the neighbour.
• 5 metres from a formed road other than where public access to that road is denied.
• 20 metres from any trail or pathway frequented by the general public.
• 30 metres from farm gateways.
• 150 metres from a dwelling (a house, residence or abode) without the occupants consent in writing.
• 500 metres from any constructed picnic or recreational sites.
No baits are laid on the inside of livestock laneways unless approved by the landowner.
Any other [i]exclusion zones[/i] as specified by participating landowners or deemed appropriate by the FEP Operations Manager or delegate.
Fox bait stations are clearly marked with flagging tape (or another marker) and the location is recorded on GPS.
All properties being baited are clearly
signposted.[/i]
[[b]DPIPWE[/b] maketh the rules, so [b]DPIPWE[/b] breaketh the rules.]
Ian Rist
March 10, 2013 at 09:56
(cont.) Part 2
Photos supplied by return email..but GPS coordinates Craig?
Your own website clearly states:
From the DPIPWE’s own web site http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter-nsf/WebPages/SSKA-6H27T5?open
“When Fox Eradication Program officers lay baits, each bait is buried, marked by flagging tape and the position recorded on a GPS. The baits are spaced between 200 to 250 metres apart, depending on such factors as the lay of the land or whether there are natural animal corridors in the area. The officers are also careful to stay away from roads, houses and certain other landscape featuresâ€
My reply…..
Dear Craig
Certainly…but that will take a little time, GPS coordinates and all.
But I will give you the first clue: http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2012/10/30/364957_tasmania-news.html
1080 Probait laid 38 metres from a main Road, baits along side formed gravel Roads readily accessible to the General Public in ungated and in unfenced plantation, baits only a metre from the formed gravel Road, also baits measured at forty metres and less apart.
Baits (Probait) barely covered, id est; 1 cm of earth and leaf foliage only covering them, photos of excavated bait sites complete with Tasmanian Devil and dog and other wildlife foot prints in the freshly excavated bait sites.
A special photo of my front drive way where the FEP/ISB vehicles pulled up opposite my driveway on the 23rd of October 2012 and did a giant wheelie and damaged the grass verge and showered gravel everywhere.
The same day they baited up to within 5 metres our back boundary without any consultation or consent.
Clue two:
Pet River Dam (Burnie’s water supply).
The list here at Cradle Mountain facility is too extensive, I am currently waiting on legal advice on that baiting session.
Oh and incidentally Craig I do not appreciate FEP/ISB staff and your media advisors referring to myself and other “fox sceptics/questioners†as a “bunch of craziesâ€.
This has a long way to run yet Craig, I simply hope you do not become a casualty because of others peoples misdeeds, you don’t seem like a bad bloke, at least you have had the courtesy to correspond with me.
Yours Sincerely
Ian Rist
Karl Stevens
March 10, 2013 at 11:16
The people running Tasmania are insane in my opinion.
Grant
March 10, 2013 at 12:30
Clearly none of these clowns depend on the Pet River Dam for their water supply. Forrest Gump would have some of them covered in the IQ stakes.
Ian Rist
March 10, 2013 at 14:06
There should be public outrage over this…but do the citizens of Burnie care…more to the point other than Tasmanian Times where is the mainstream media ? More concerned with advertising revenue.
The mainstream media have just become a government propaganda and advertising carriage…that is painfully obvious…just keep printing the press releases.
David Obendorf
March 10, 2013 at 14:44
It’s a very simple matter for the Manager of this DPIPWE program Mr Craig Elliott to contact his fox eradication staff and 1080-bait contractors working in north-west Tasmania and determine the facts for himself.
A simple phone call would probably be sufficient.
Even if this bait-laying activity at the Pet Dam reservoir is now over and 1080 warning signs have now been removed, you do need to offer an explanation for why you, as the Manager, agreed to allow this activity in a [i]Cradle Mountain Water[/i] reserve.
barry
March 10, 2013 at 14:48
Come on FEP. Why not contact Mr Rist and actually visit each of these sites he has allegedly photographed and either, Prove the claims are all bulls… or alternatively work out that something may be crook in bait-land. Dont just leave the whole thing swinging with either side making claims, but no-one resolving the issue. Its time the FEP put up or shut up’. It would not take too much to investigate these allegations and a result would be of benefit to all. A quick field trip would be a great starter.
Penelope Marshall
March 10, 2013 at 15:09
I wouldn’t like to be drinking my morning coffee while reading this story in Burnie this morning, especially if it happened to rain over night! A bit of rising water and they won’t be retrieving those baits, guess they’d just get added to the statistics of un-retrieved or missing baits.
Do they even bother to read their own protocol down at the Fox Farce force? If these are strict safety procedures we really do have a literacy problem in Tasmania!
Ian Rist
March 10, 2013 at 15:25
David as of this a.m. nearly all the bait signs are still there.
My opinion is we have a bunch of cowboys out of control…from interpretations I have made neither the Manager or the Minister have a clue what is going on……
I repeat a section of Mr Elliott’s email and my comment in # 3
“please excuse me if I don’t immediately accept your claims as truth. You mention photos in your email. Could you provide those photos and the specific locations, ideally with GPS coordinates, to me?”
Photos supplied by return email..but GPS coordinates Craig?
Your own website clearly states:
From the DPIPWE’s own web site: http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter-nsf/WebPages/SSKA-6H27T5?open
Under LANDOWNER PERMISSION PARAGRAPH
“When Fox Eradication Program officers lay baits, each bait is buried, marked by flagging tape and the position recorded on a GPS. The baits are spaced between 200 to 250 metres apart, depending on such factors as the lay of the land or whether there are natural animal corridors in the area. The officers are also careful to stay away from roads, houses and certain other landscape featuresâ€
BARRY # 8 Certainly, glad to help…have been offering free of charge since 2001-2002.
John Biggs
March 10, 2013 at 15:35
Criminal irresponsibility. I wouldnlt have expected Kons to have responded approrpiately. The press are too scared. Why doesn’t paul O Halloran bring this up in parliament? That seems the only course left, apart from civil action but people shouldnlt have to go to court to prevent their water supply being poisoned. Come on Greens, pick this one up!
Maxine
March 10, 2013 at 18:36
Where do the Greens stand with all this? More deafening silence?
Too busy with duck decoys and television cameras in Macquarie street?
Not only are these oxygen thieves killing our wildlife they are now trying to poison our citizens.
Richard Brown
March 10, 2013 at 18:39
We have a bunch of corrupt lunatics running this state and this country..They DO NOT care one little bit about the people who live in this country..The people who pay these lunatics to destroy,poison and rob us blind..Why do we continue to put up with them without a whisper..and why do we continue to allow them to do what they do..
David Obendorf
March 10, 2013 at 18:43
According to Mr Rist transmission of an email he received from the Manager of this DPIPWE program, Mr Elliott ‘doesn’t immediately accept as truth’ what Mr Rist has told him in relation to the bait signs at Pet Dam reserve, Ridgley.
Mr Rist has done what any citizen would be expected to do; he contacted Burnie’s mayor [b]Steve Kons[/b] and the manager of this 1080 bait-laying program.
If the warning signs are still – on a public holiday long weekend – then the 1080 baits are still in place.
Mr Biggs [comment #11] are you in a position to alert [b]Paul O’Halloran[/b] [MHA for Braddon] on thiese matters?
I wonder whether [b]Bryan Green[/b] [Labor Mha for Braddon] or [b]Jeremy Rockliff[/b] [Liberal MHA for Braddon] have been advised by Mr Rist.
Ian Rist
March 10, 2013 at 18:46
But who will have the gonads to prosecute this?
Same old, same old, “business as usual”.
The apparatchiks will be in full spin mode and the funding receivers will say again…”so what if there aren’t any foxes, we need the money”.
A.K.
March 10, 2013 at 19:30
All that will come out of this is lies, deceit and denial, as for the Greens, no different to lab/lib. You’re dealing with an ideological dictatorship hell bent on keeping control at any cost, each faction is so deranged they refuse to see the reality they have created. Nothing will change, there’s to much money and power in it for them, that’s all that counts for ideologues.
Kons is an ex pollie and fully in league with his labor faction, as for the media, it’s a monopoly relying on all political parties to keep it that way. They will also do whatever it takes to retain their dictatorship and media control and we see that is how they report with bias towards those who feed them private and public money.
Unless the current party system is dismantled and real democracy installed, things will only get worse and worse.
Dr Alison Bleaney
March 10, 2013 at 20:08
Thank you’ve Ian for alerting us to this issue.
If you have not already, may I suggest that all correspondence goes to DHHS Public Health, Cradle Water and DPIPWE?
I appreciate how difficult it is to get public servants responsible for water safety to visit a catchment to use their own eyes and senses, even when one documents issues.
All the best in your endeavours.
Dr Alison Bleaney
john hayward
March 10, 2013 at 20:52
Shrewd thinking, FEB. No hassles with the landowner’s permission and you can be sidling up to the pub just after C.O.B.. A few putrescent rat or bandicoot carcasses in the water supply probably won’t kill anyone.
Ian should stop minding his own business.
John Hayward
Penelope Marshall
March 10, 2013 at 21:48
# 14 David, if Mr Elliot does not ‘accept as truth’ the situation as reported on the Ridgley dam situation even with the evidence provided perhaps he should go up and check it out for himself or doesn’t he take a hands on leadership role in his highly paid position? There’s a lot one can not see from the desk! I am sure that Mr Bryan Green is 100% aware of the situation at the Pet Dam, as for what he will do about it, well it is the duck season!
Claire Gilmour
March 10, 2013 at 22:20
Although I recognise you’ve been down so many roads in the past re 1080, the reply you receieved is so typical of what you get Ian when you contact the wrong people first. I use to that with FT, get’s you no-where but similar to the reply you have posted – they want you to do their job for them, supply them all the details and give you nothing. ( GPS co-ordinates indeed!!, Fair dinkum, all they are doing is playing for time so they can come up with excuses). Although it gets one into trouble from the relevant authority, (though knowing you, I don’t think it would worry you), I have found it much better to start from the top and work down, rather than from the bottom up. Send just about every Minister, including the Premier and your electorate reps an email first, explaining the situation and asking for some help, and cc in the relevant authorities. That way you get at least a few pollies jumping up and down, and them demanding answers, in this case from Mr Elliot (DIPIPWE) and the water Authority, much harder for them to try and pull the wool over a number of ministers/reps eyes. Getting the ministers and your electorate representatives to follow your case up, is part of their job – well it’s supposed to be. As an ex-pollie, Kons reaction tells one a lot about how such sometimes respond to the voting public. Besides their more amiable with an election looming.
Try Ruth Forrest, I have found her office to be helpful in assisting to follow things up. Just simply ask for her help, it would surprise me if her office doesn’t at least do some decent enquiries and gets some answers for you. Besides you’re doing a community service. Obviously the mass media are too weak to give a toss.
Perhaps some school groups need to go Burnie’s water supply and see where their water comes from … Oh no can’t do that at this time, it would be too dangerous …
John Connor
March 11, 2013 at 02:29
Is this a storm in a teacup (or a reservoir perhaps)? I’m not sure what the risk to public health is or why the DHHS should be concerned? A lot of research done by the kiwis seems to indicate that 1080 doesn’t accumulate in waterways (even with their aerial baiting applications).
There really is a lot of solid research (note the use of the word ‘research’ here as opposed to the word ‘opinion’) in this area. For example, see this 1992 paper that reports on water catchment monitoring following application of tonnes (yes tonnes) of 1080 possum baits:
http://www.lincoln.ac.nz/PageFiles/7105/4066_Easonetal_s13395.pdf
They identify in this paper that the community perception of the perceived risk (high) is very different to scientific data on the actual risk (low) from 1080 use. There seems to be a simple lack of understanding about 1080, with the discussion and hysteria being generated in this forum being a reflection of this.
But maybe 1080 behaves differently when used in Tasmania, it is a special place after all.
Boohoo
March 11, 2013 at 02:40
“ideally with GPS coordinates”
I’m still reeling over that one.
A citizen alerts the responsible authority to a potential breach of their own code and he is expected to conduct the investigation for them?
Curiouser and curiouser.
Ian Rist
March 11, 2013 at 04:52
After numerous exchanges in the last 48 hours with the manager (?) of the FEP/ISB … the manager said in one exchange he would not question his men about allegations…
To quote the FEP/ISB manager:
“Based on the information you’ve provided I don’t intend to action this further. I see no provocation, a term you used earlier, nor evidence of any offence nor cause for me to question staff. I’ll consider the matter closed unless you provide some reason to look at it further.”
“Whether you believe me or not about Tas Times is of little consequence. You can continue to post there to achieve whatever agenda you’re pursuing but its not something I read.”
I refer again to two of the key “findings” of the 2009 PAC Inquiry into the spending of taxpayers’ money by the Fox Eradication Program:
“Nothing presented to the committee suggested that the Department and officers of the Taskforce, who have a complex role,undertake their duties and responsibilities with anything other than due care and professionalism.”
In addition the committee noted that:
“Critics and sceptics who solely base their comments on hearsay and conspiracy are a serious distraction and impediment to the work of the Fox Eradication Program.”
Denial, denial after denial, stalling, evasion … a disgrace, all being done with taxpayers money.
But the buck must stop with someone, the manager?…the minister?… the government?
Where are the politicians that we elected to protect OUR money and OUR interests?
As usual nowhere to be found?
Be aware all this has been c.c’d to all relevant agencies and concerned personnel…I await with great interest – but then this is Tasmania “a very special place”.
Business as usual whilst ever the taxpayers and funding suppliers will let us get away with it!
Ian Rist
March 11, 2013 at 07:54
The absolute hypocrisy of all this is the manager(?) of the FEP/ISB knows the GPS coordinates of all the bait sites in relation to their proximity to gravel roads, bitumen roads, residences, water etc. The Calder baiting is a prime example and so is the Pet River Dam, goodness if one really wanted to spend some time on it how many more there?
If the manager and the minister want to do their jobs properly they can find the coordinates in minutes.
What politician is going to stand up and be counted?
Ian Rist
March 11, 2013 at 09:25
# 21 Kiwi country is the 1080 Mecca of the World…asking them to comment on 1080 is like asking Dracula to slag the Blood bank!
Link below will give you the most comprehensive and detailed report ever written on 1080.
http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/infobase/eisler/CHR_30_Sodium_monofluoroacetate.pdf
Karl Stevens
March 11, 2013 at 10:16
John Connor 21. You seem typical of the Tasmanian attitude. ‘Lets see if 1080 and animal carcases in the water supply kill people’?
David Obendorf
March 11, 2013 at 10:42
Claire Gilmore [comment #20] offers some very salient advice.
Mr Elliott dismisses Mr Rist; according o Mr Elliott the case is closed. Mr Elliott claims he doesn’t even read Tasmanian Times; he used to.
Mr Elliott even responded to articles with comment during the South Arm baiting incident last year.
The more fundamental issue is Mr Elliott’s management responsibility and the content of the bait laying protocols under which his branch of DPIPWE lays 1080 baits – see comment #2.
An possible explanation for why the Fox Branch would place 1080 baits on Cradle Mountain Water reserves is that they may have insufficent private land owners in that area agreeing to take part in their 1080 baiting program.
Hang in there Mr Rist, Mr Elliott despite his emails to you would be concerned by this bait-laying activity by his staff.
Regrettably he seems unable to genuinely offer an explanation to you.
Jane Bennett
March 11, 2013 at 14:02
Sounds like a story I read as a kid – The Boy Who Cried Wolf. The evidence as you have provided is a sign on a gate indicating that baits have been laid somewhere on the property, as I see it this is not a breach of their Code.
Can you provide evidence that they have broken their Code. Were baits within 20m of permanent or flowing water?
Scare mongering does you no favours. What evidence can you provide regarding the amount of 1080 in the baits and the dilution factor should one bait or residue from such end up in the dam. It is not exactly terrorfying. In Burnie I’d be more concerned about agricultural chemicals etc in water than a vague potential of a miniscule, probably undetectable amount of 1080.
John Biggs
March 11, 2013 at 16:21
#!4. In as much position as anyone Dave. The Greens MHA members’ webpages are down, but I sent a message to the Green office to pass on to Paul. Next week, they said, as the relevant person is away.
Mike
March 11, 2013 at 20:02
Ha! Now we know why they have not been catching any foxes. The foxes have been neglecting to email their GPS coordinates back to the department!
By comparing Ian’s photo with Google’s street view and making the assumption that Ian’s car is confined to the roads as it cannot fly I get GPS coordinates -41.150773,145.837664 – can anyone confirm?
I regret now not trying to get a government job as it would be a whole lot easier than working for a living.
David Obendorf
March 11, 2013 at 21:44
“The Boy the cried wolf” – I like that simile Jane!
Maybe [i]the Department that cried foxes[/i] would be could also be apt. This Program has done that through the Tasmanian media and its ownpublic relations for 13 years.
On the location of the 1080 baits within the [b]Cradle Mountain Water[/b] Reserve at Pet River dam, their precise locations would already be known to Mr Elliott and his bait-laying team at Ridgley.
Jane, perhaps you should ask Mr Elliott how many 1080 baits and where they were placed them on this water supply reservoir reserve.
Hey Jane, thank you for your interest in this important matter.
David Obendorf
March 12, 2013 at 15:59
[b]Ken West[/b], Baiting Operations Manager Fox Program has now confirmed to a Tasmanian politician that the Pet Dam reserve at Ridgley was accessed for 1080 bait laying. The reserve is managed by [b]Cradle Mountain Water[/b].
Mr West instructed his bait-layers team to lay them as far away as possible from the catchment area, further than the 20 metre buffer requirement.
1080 baits are all buried, they are to be collected after 14 days.
All entry points to the Pet Dam were fitted with 1080-baits warning signs.
Every 1080 bait was marked by GPS so they can be located and collected at the end of the baiting period.
According to Mr West, communication has occurred with all neighbours and no 1080 bait can be laid without the landowners permission.
According to the information received by the politician the local council [[b]Burnie City Council[/b]] was advised.
[This basic information took 6 days to obtain from [b]DPIPWE[/b].]
john hayward
March 12, 2013 at 17:40
Jane Bennett, #28. “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” analogy doesn’t really fit.
Unlike the Boy, Ian Rist wasn’t lying about the baits being there. Whatever the health risks, the FEP has caused an economic haemorrhage in a state already plagued by similar leeches. And unlike the villagers the Boy appealed to, the FEP has never shown any more concern about protecting the public than they do about non-target baiting victims.
In fact, the baits are most likely to poison some of the animals most likely to clean up naturally occurring carcasses.
Now,If you had likened the Boy to some Tassie pollie endlessly warning that the State faced ruin if it didn’t sell its body for a pulp mill, the metaphor would work a treat.
John Hayward
David Obendorf
March 12, 2013 at 18:54
It would have been so easy for Mr Elliott to respond with candour to Mr Rist’s email [see Comment #1]. Mr Elliott could been up front acknowledging that the Fox Program had indeed laid 1080 baits at Pet Dam reserve and simply responded to the matters Mr Rist raised last week.
Now the Program’s management has acknowledged that baits were laid and all GPS located, it would be very easy for DPIPWE to now demonstrate that they have indeed complied with their own protocols for fox bait laying:
[i]• 20 metres from permanent or flowing water.
• 5 metres of a neighbouring property boundary without the written consent of the neighbour.
• 5 metres from a formed road other than where public access to that road is denied.
• 20 metres from any trail or pathway frequented by the general public.
• 30 metres from farm gateways.
• 150 metres from a dwelling (a house, residence or abode) without the occupants consent in writing.
• 500 metres from any constructed picnic or recreational sites.[/i]
How about it, Mr Elliott? Thank you.
David Obendorf
March 12, 2013 at 20:53
According to the [b]Inland Fisheries Service[/b] [i]’the Pet Reservoir is a domestic water supply impoundment situated in the township of Ridgley on the North West Coast and is open to the public for fishing.'[/i]
[i]’Access to some of the shoreline is restricted due to public safety issues and these areas are clearly defined. It is surrounded by gently sloping grassland allowing easy walking access. It is a very popular family orientated fishery and is open to all legal freshwater fishing methods.[/i]’
http://www.ifs.tas.gov.au/archive/IFSDatabaseManager/WatersDatabase/pet-reservoir
From the Fox Eradication Program Fact Sheet 1 – dated August 2010, DPIPWE [available on their website]
[b]FOX BAIT LAYING REQUIREMENTS[/b]
[i]Strict measures are taken to ensure fox baiting programs are safe for the community and the environment.
Fox baits are not laid within:
• 20 metres from permanent or flowing water.
• 5 metres of a neighbouring property boundary without the written consent of the neighbour.
• 5 metres from a formed road other than where public access to that road is denied.
• 20 metres from any trail or pathway frequented by the general public.
• 30 metres from farm gateways.
• 150 metres from a dwelling (a house, residence or abode) without the occupants consent in writing.
• 500 metres from any constructed picnic or recreational sites.
No baits are laid on the inside of livestock laneways unless approved by the landowner.
Any other exclusion zones as specified by participating landowners or deemed appropriate by the FEP Operations Manager or delegate.
Fox bait stations are clearly marked with flagging tape (or another marker) and the location is recorded on GPS.
All properties being baited are clearly signposted.[/i]
Over to you Mr Elliott, where have these 1080 baits been laid in the Pet Reservoir reserve?
Claire Gilmour
March 12, 2013 at 22:40
(28 – Jane Bennett) perhaps you may not be aware … my gentle wolf died horrifically from 1080 because the government didn’t do their job properly, were too readily amenable to put such a toxic, cruel poison out, and too complacent to follow up decently. Local kids also cried a river of tears when they also watched their pets die.
1080 is a cruel way to kill any animal and should be banned.
If the state government wants to keep on the Federal money train via foxes, then at least hunt any suspect foxes out with decency rather than in such an inhumane way and risking so many other animals.
The really scary thing is – the government refuses to admit the peripheral damage.
Which candidates this coming state election have the gumption to say they will ban 1080? Green, Liberal, Labor, anyone …?!?
David Obendorf
March 13, 2013 at 10:04
Welcome back Paulie who ever you are. We have missed your interpretations of the murky world of Tasmania’s public service and political science.
First up let’s dismiss one of your statements Paulie. Mr Rist did not write what you placed within speech marks at the bottom of your comment #37. It is merely a provocative and ridiculing taunt from you.
Responsibility lies with the Manager of this Program, Mr Elliott – through the field operations Manager Mr West – to confirm that the bait layers have complied with their own stated protocols at Pet River dam.
The response DPIPWE Manager Elliott gave to Mr Rist’s alert was to doubt his photographic evidence and to dismiss his claims. But we now know DPIPWE have confirmed that 1080 bait has occurred at Pet River dam.
[b]Mr Craig Elliott[/b] wrote to Mr Rist: [i]’A lot of claims are made about the FEP and alleged misdeeds so please excuse me if I don’t immediately accept your claims as truth. You mention photos in your email. Could you provide those photos and the specific locations, ideally with GPS coordinates, to me?'[/i]
DPIPWE operatives have laid 1080 baits in a water catchment area for the City of Burnie and according to Mr West his bait laying team have GPS co-ordinates of all the bait location. DPIPWE can simply demonstrate with map whether they are complying with their own protocols.
Thank you.
Karl Stevens
March 13, 2013 at 10:52
Have a look at the Pet Reservoir on Google maps? Its on a parcel of land that is almost completely covered by the reservoir. There seems to be a narrow strip of land between the waterline and the boundaries. It would be very difficult in my view to lay baits and still adhere to the requirements.
gizmo
March 13, 2013 at 14:58
Karl Stevens (#39) – you are obviously completely unaware of the scale of the google map you are looking at. Or maybe it lacks cadastral information.
‘Narrow strips of land’ is a subjective observation on the apparent ratio of the width to the length. I know the Pet dam very well and most of that ‘narrow strip of land’ is way, way over 20 metres plus 5 metres (neighbour’s boundary or formed road distance)wide. Jane Bennett at #28 gave you a clue on the conditions that David Obendorf himself quoted (#2).
You could lay fox baits all over the CMW Pet dam title and easily keep within the 7 dot pointed conditions listed in comment #2. No wonder Mr Elliot isn’t concerned and takes this complaint from the usual suspects with a grain of salt.
Much ado about nothing, … again.
Karl Stevens
March 14, 2013 at 00:30
gizmo 40 “Much ado about nothing”. Just like the Fox Eradication Board eh?
Karen Witcombe
March 14, 2013 at 01:10
Speaking of suspects, I suspect none of messrs 28, 37 and 40 has to drink the water from the Pet Dam.
Ann O'M
March 14, 2013 at 01:17
This exchange intrigued me so I rang Mr Craig Elliot this afternoon. He acknowledged that on last Sunday and Monday (a public holiday so my hat off to Mr Elliot’s work ethic; has he forgotten he’s a public servant?) he had an email exchange with Mr Rist but it appears that some of the information provided isn’t as complete as they should be.
Mr Elliot claimed that Mr Rist provided a photo but nothing further about the baits other than some general claims. He said he recognised the location but was looking for Mr Rist to provide something more than a photograph of a gate to show that ‘the protocols had been breached’. He said that he was aware that Ian had been in contact with the media to try and generate a story but he wasn’t aware if the Advocate was going to write a story or not.
I asked Mr Elliot why he considered the issue closed and he said that that related to Mr Rist’s complaint about a government vehicle being parked outside a property he rents and that he never said that about the breach of the baiting locations. Mr Elliot said the baiting staff record the location of the baits and he’s seen nothing to show the protocols have been breached but is willing to look at it if Mr Rist provided something such as GPS locations. He did admit that he hasn’t been to the location though to check.
So, I think there has been some cross posting here re the conversation. I’ll give Ian the benefit of the doubt that he didn’t intentionally selectively quote Mr Elliot about the complaint about the vehicle in making a comment about the baiting to try and show him in a bad light.
Ian, you may also appreciate that Mr Elliot said he has never called you ‘crazy’ whilst also pointing out that many people cast slurs against the FEP who, as public servants, do not have the right of reply in public forums. This is the second conversation I’ve had with him and I for one have had no problem with how he was willing to listen to and discuss my concerns. A few of you make some fairly slanderous comments about the FEP. Do you think that if the integrity of the conversation was lifted, maybe Mr Elliot and his cohort would be more willing to talk? That’s my ten cents
David Obendorf
March 14, 2013 at 09:52
Gizmo (who ever you are), [comment #40] I suggest you get out a map of the [i]Cradle Mountain Water[/i]’s Pet Dam reserve and determine how many baits can be safely placed on this parcel of land [b]and[/b] comply with DPIPWE’s ‘exclusion zone’ protocols [b]and[/b] be placed 200 metres apart.
Over to you, Gizmo.
David Obendorf
March 14, 2013 at 11:02
Ann O’M good for you for talking to Mr [b]Craig Elliott[/b], the current Manager of this 13-year long fox program.
Excuse me for asking Ann, do you have an [b]OM[/b] and is that just an abbreviatioon of your full name?
Did you suggest to Mr Elliott when you rang him that he perhaps clarify matters on Tasmanian Times [b]himself[/b] as the manager responsible or this program?
I know a number of citizens and politicians I’ve spoken with would welcome Mr Elliott responding to the matters raised in Mr Rist’s article and the various questions and concerns made in the comments to the article.
Thank you for your efforts Ann O’M, every contributor helps.
John Connor
March 15, 2013 at 01:07
Much ado about nothing indeed. It seems from the posts on this thread that: 1) the response from Mr Elliott has been appropriate based on the information he was provided; 2) Mr Elliott has been acknowledged by a number of people as being courteous, professional and hard working (are we really sure he’s a public servant?); and 3) Mr Elliott has been very accessible and has responded directly to all public enquiries, even though he’s probably got one or two other responsibilities that would take up his time. Good on him, sounds like he’s doing a much better job than most.
I also seem to recall someone on another thread stating that they have found Mr Elliott to be very forthcoming when questions have been asked of him directly rather than just randomly casting them out into the ether among personal attacks and vitriol. There’s probably a lesson in that for us all. And I’m certainly not sure why he should be expected to trawl the depths of the internet blogs looking for questions to answer – I wouldn’t want my public servants (and certainly not senior managers) spending their time and wasting our public monies surfing the internet all day!
mark
March 15, 2013 at 17:22
To be fair to The Advocate, they probably had to make room for more important stories, like the Julian O’Brien’s wife’s mummy blogging business.
Ian Rist
March 15, 2013 at 17:43
I have been laying low watching the usual suspects rise to the bait….Anne O,M @ 43 I suppose you are the same apparatchik that commented on “Tasmania a very special” – place Paulie, John Connor[ Terminator is right] and Gizmo have been at it for years and I really don’t take any notice of cowards who do not have the common decency to use their real names( even though I know who they are…I have put their real names up here before but the Editor in his wisdom chose not print). Don’t worry Ed. they are broke and don’t have any money to sue anyone…….
However # 28 # 37 and #43 and #46… I will inform you that I do have the photos, dates, times and GPS coordinates (a modern ‘phone seems to be more reliable than the bait layer system that put a bait in the middle of a LAKE) for the Pet Dam and the Calder Forest…1080 Probait baits were place illegally some within 2 metres of a formed road accessible to the public, also within a stone throw of residences, not at all covered to the required depth and the list goes on.. I am game to test it in court…are you?
Ian Rist
March 15, 2013 at 18:18
Re # 32 When I spoke to Steve Kons (Burnie’s Mayor) 9th March 2013 he knew nothing of the 1080 baiting in Burnie’s water supply and was going to ring Cradle Mountain Water and the DPIPWE immediately.
David Obendorf
March 15, 2013 at 18:35
John Connor, Mr Ellott is responsible for a program that claims to be [i]eradicating[/i] foxes in Tasmania. And yet that Program running for nearly 13 years has failed to demonstrate that there are any foxes in Tasmania and cannot produce evidence from it’s own surveillance or poisoning activity of free-living foxes – no photographed foxes, no fox dens, no dead foxes from all the thousands of poisoned baits, no shot foxes, no trapped foxes.
If you accept that fox-less eradication program as an idication of success after 13 years and costing over $50 millions then that’s your perogative John.
The general community lost faith in this unproductive and unscientific program several years ago John. This DPIPWE program is bunkered because it was a nonsense and with nothing productive to show for it after 13 years!
It’s desperation stuff when a less than half a square kilometre reserve for Burnie’s water supply [Pet Dam reserve] is targetted for fox baiting.
Mr Elliott knows his program has run out of options and excuses. No money for feral cats and the fox trail well & truly cold.
Ian Rist
March 15, 2013 at 20:38
Yes David re # 51 it is encouraging to be told by a journalist just the other day that 98% of the Tasmanian population believe you that this is a farce … a “fox farce” that is and your quote … “Mr Elliott knows his program has run out of options and excuses”. “No money for feral cats and the fox trail well & truly cold”.
We certainly have won the Public Relations war and all the stubborn, stupid government and their stupid serfs can do is hide, delay and attempt to confuse hoping a fox just might turn up!
However they are politically past the point of no return…the hangman’s noose is very long but it will only hurt all the more when it stops!
So John @ # 47 you not concerned at all about the risk to wildlife, pets, dogs and even children from 1080 baits placed in reserves and residential areas?
The farmers love 1080 don’t they? Nothing has changed since the colonials poisoned the native inhabitants and wildlife and rounded them up and shot them.
1080 The cheap option and “out of sight and out of mind.”