Concerns over a permit issued by the state government that would allow the use of 1080 poison on a property in Southern Midlands have been raised by the Tasmanian Greens.
New MP Vica Bayley criticised the use of 1080 poison in parliament this week, calling it a “cruel, crude and antiquated method” of killing native wildlife.
Bayley said the Swanston property is home to healthy populations of species including Tasmanian devils, quolls and wedge-tailed eagles – all of which could be affected by ‘secondary 1080 poisoning’.
1080 poison is non-target-specific and can have serious impacts on carnivores and other animals, including native species, dogs and cats.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment say the poison, which is a white odourless and tasteless powder, is widely used in Australia and New Zealand to control pest animals.
“Compound 1080 is the most effective vertebrate pest poison currently available,” the NRE website reads.
“It is relatively species-specific, it is relatively humane in terms of its effects on herbivores and it is biodegradable.”
“There is a definite risk of accidental poisoning of sheep, cattle, goats, horses and pigs, so every care must be taken to keep stock away from a poisoned area until all uneaten poisoned bait is removed.”
“There is a high risk of secondary poisoning if dogs eat poisoned rabbits or wallabies.”
When asked about the permit on Wednesday, Primary Industries and Water Minister Jo Palmer said she was not aware of the property that it had been issued to, but would look into it.
She added that there has been a decline in the use of 1080 poison over the past 20 years.
