Environmental Monitoring

The Port of Brisbane is inhabited by a variety of introduced animals.  Feral foxes, cats and hares have established on the island through migration from the mainland, or in the case of cats, through the deliberate disposal of unwanted animals.

Fox and cat populations may come into contact with other animals on ships, overseas garbage/galley waste, or imported commodities (such as stock feed and bulk seed) awaiting quarantine treatment and clearance.  Such contact could lead to the introduction of exotic pests, diseases and weeds into the port area and, ultimately, into the wider Brisbane community.

Since May 2000 we have commissioned professional and highly experienced pest managers to trap cats and shoot foxes.  These methods are considered the most effective and humane, and are undertaken in accordance with the RSPCA’s feral animal control policy.

Generally we undertake a single control programmes every year.  However in recent years, due to the low remaining numbers, we have been able to reduce the culling programme, and in 2004/2005 no culling was carried out.

We will continue to monitor the situation and respond to individual requests from our tenants in relation to the removal of feral pests.