The fight against invasive animals has gone online for Western Australian rural landholders with the launch of a new 1080 training tool.

Developed by the Department of Agriculture and Food, the online Safe Use and Management of 1080 course provides an easily-accessible training option for landholders, managers or workers who want to handle 1080 baits on their property. Donna Waters, who farms with her husband at Kulin, is the first landholder in the State to have successfully completed the 1080 online training. “The course gave me a thorough understanding of my responsibilities as a landholder and the process of applying for a permit to access 1080 bait,” she said.  “We have run baiting programs on our property before, so this was a simple and convenient way to refresh our knowledge and even learn something new which will benefit our next baiting program.”

 Department Regulatory Standards and Training manager Anita Wyntje said the course takes people through the legal responsibilities, safety requirements  and practical considerations for an effective 1080 baiting program. 

 “1080 baiting often represents the best option for landholders or managers to control pests on a property so they need to be aware of their responsibilities  when using 1080,” she said.

 “As more people complete the assessment we can be confident the products will be used correctly and baiting programs will become more effective. In the  long run, this will mean fewer pests, which eventually should mean less baiting.”

 Those wishing to carry out a 1080 baiting program on their property must apply for a permit through the department. Once the permit is approved, they can  collect and lay the baits. Landholders or managers without training must use a trained person or engage a licensed pest management operator to handle  and lay the baits.

 “As a department, we are able to deliver the 1080 training in a timely and convenient manner and ensure WA’s landholders are equipped with the latest  information to implement an effective 1080 baiting program on their property,” Ms Wyntje said.

 To access to the online training, please contact the department on biotraining@agric.wa.gov.au to request a site login and course enrolment.

 Hard copy booklets and assessments remain available on request from local department biosecurity officers.