Landcare at Australia Day
Landcare information stand attracted over 70% of community attendees
Capacity building - LEP_23 _ 033_UCCL_11 1
The issue
Cane Toads are invading the Rural township of Bonalbo and its surrounds as they continue their march down from Queensland, heading both south and west.
Whilst Toad Musters had been held previously there were no real measure as to how many people carried their new knowledge and toad busting forward and how they might be actively controlling toads.
The solution
Australia Day is a well-attended community day and so we saw it as an ideal place to provide information to the 100 residents who attended.
Our initiative was supported by Landcare Enabling Program (LEP) funds.
The impact
We were set up front and centre by event organisers who included Kyogle Council through the Australia Day Committee, Bonalbo Bowling Club, and Bonalbo and Old Bonalbo CWA.
Just over 70% of persons made enquiries and looked at our display of toads and information sheets and booklets. Toad eggs were a great conversation starter as the are rarely seen, as they sink to the bottom of dams when laid.
After we made a short presentation at the request of the organisers, they then asked us to judge and weigh toads submitted into the competition for the heaviest Male and Female.
Key facts
- Building on other community events can be very positive
- Landcare involvement in community events supports the building of partnerships and provides for future collaborations
- Past engagement and provision of information to residents can inspire ongoing commitment and action by residents