A team of researchers from Griffith University has been working with residents from Merritts Creek and surrounding areas on developing a community led plan for the management of invasive animals, in peri-urban areas, with a particular emphasis on wild dogs.

The once rural area, Merritts Creek has experienced significant development over the past few years, which resulted in marked land use transformation and demographic changes.  Like many other peri-urban communities, Merritts Creek and surrounding areas are now typified by both rural and urban values and are characterised by a unique set of challenges and opportunities around how the land is used and managed. Merritts Creek is typical of other peri-urban areas on the immediate outskirts of Toowoomba City which have also experienced an upsurge in invasive animals in more recent time.

This project aims to bring a diverse range of peri-urban residents together in efforts to derive a common approach that will guide the future management of invasive animals in peri-urban areas.

This research project is undertaken in collaboration with Biosecurity Queensland and is funded by a grant from the Commonwealth Government. It has been enthusiastically supported by Toowoomba Regional Council’s Conservation and Pest Management Team. Throughout the process, participants will be given the opportunity to meet, discuss and collaborate with experts from Biosecurity Queensland and representatives from Toowoomba Regional Council.

The next community workshop is scheduled for Saturday, 4/04 in Merritts Creek. We invite you to come along and share your views and thoughts with us and with your neighbours. The workshop will be facilitated by Prof Darryl Low Choy from Griffith University Cities Research Institute.

For more information please contact:

Ms Pazit Taygfeld: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Or

Prof Darryl Low Choy: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.