What we are doing

A population of the Southern Brown Bandicoot has been identified within the Gippsland rail corridor between Pakenham and Longwarry, where project works will occur. The Southern Brown Bandicoot is a native marsupial, which is listed as a threatened species under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

As part of a program to minimise the impact of these works, a pest control program is being implemented to protect the bandicoots by monitoring and reducing the number of pests, particularly foxes and feral cats, that threaten it.

Pest control will include baiting which is designed to attract targeted pests and there will be measures in place to protect local wildlife. The bait being used is Para Amino Propiophenone (PAPP). PAPP is approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) to manage pests in Victoria.

We’re undertaking a program to monitor and manage pests, particularly foxes and feral cats, to protect the Southern Brown Bandicoot.

By controlling these pest species, we protect our native wildlife. We will also provide nest boxes to provide additional habitat for bandicoots within the project area.

The program will run until the end of 2024, with pest control happening at regular intervals.

Frequently asked questions

What are you doing to protect the Southern Brown Bandicoot?

We’re undertaking a program to monitor and manage pests, particularly foxes and feral cats, as part of a program to protect the bandicoots. The program will involve:

• monitoring bandicoots to understand population size and locations
• pest control to reduce the threat to the Southern Brown Bandicoot population.

What pest control will you use?

Pest control will include baiting and soft leg hold and cage trapping methods. The program will start with free feeding over a two-week period, followed by baiting, then trapping.

Bait is delivered by CPE (Canid Pest Ejector) and will be avoided by native species including marsupials and birds.

Soft leg hold and cage trapping methods will be used so that if a non-target animal becomes trapped, they can be released quickly and without harm.

When will these works take place?

The program will take place before, during and after construction on the Gippsland Line Upgrade, running until late 2024. This includes six months of monitoring and management pre-construction, and two years of monitoring and management post construction. Southern Brown Bandicoot monitoring will be continuous during this period, however, pest control will be undertaken in pulses.

Given the length of the program, written notification will be provided to residents in close proximity to pest control activity on a regular basis.

Who is conducting this work and what bait is being used?

These works will be undertaken by Timberscope Pty Ltd, a qualified and licensed contractor with highly trained staff using best practice methods.

The bait being used is Para Amino Propiophenone (PAPP). It is approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) for the control of wild dogs and foxes in Victoria.

How will I know when baiting is happening?

Residents in close proximity to pest control activities will be notified prior to baiting activities commencing and signs will be placed in areas indicating when and where baiting is happening. Please obey all signage and avoid these areas.

Pet owners should ensure their pets are contained so they don’t stray into the rail corridor where CPEs are deployed, remain on a lead if walking during baiting operations in the vicinity to prevent them from accessing CPEs or straying into trap locations. Please pass this information on to anyone who may be using your property.

What should I do if I come across a bait or a deceased target animal?

It is highly unlikely bait will be found outside the designated baiting area. CPEs are stationary devices that deliver a capsule containing powder form PAPP directly into the animal’s mouth when a fox pulls or bites on the bait head. CPEs are considered safe to most animals with the exception of foxes and dogs, as a certain pull force is required to activate them and they cannot be cached like regular buried meat baits.

If you suspect you have located a bait or targeted animal such as a fox, please contact Rod Brindley at Timberscope Pty Ltd on 0410 492 191.

What do I do if I think that my pet has consumed PAPP?

If you suspect your pet has consumed a PAPP bait or notice any unusual or uncharacteristic behaviour in your pet, please contact your veterinarian immediately. Vets in the Pakenham and Drouin area have been notified of the program. An antidote for PAPP (methylene blue) is available, however, it must be administered as soon as possible.

How can I find out more about this program?

If you have questions about the program to protect the Southern Brown Bandicoot, please call our information line on 1800 105 105 and ask to be put in contact with the Gippsland Line Upgrade project team.