Turtle populations at Mon Repos are set to benefit from a new fox baiting program to aid marine turtle recovery and continue the Newman Government’s war on pests.

The Australian and Queensland Governments are jointly investing up to $7 million in the Nest to Ocean Turtle Protection Program to help reduce the threat of feral predation on marine turtle nests and protect Queensland’s iconic turtle populations.

Member for Stephen Bennett said $130,000 for a joint control program between Bundaberg Regional Council and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service would be invested at Mon Repos, under first round of grants of the program.

“This innovative fox baiting program at Mon Repos builds on existing control programs,” Mr Bennett said.

“It includes use of den detection dogs and den fumigation, thermal imagery and night vision technology to target foxes.

“It is just one of many joint projects that will help protect the unique biodiversity of the Queensland coast along the Great Barrier Reef and other key areas along Queensland’s coast.

“I reassure the Bundaberg community that the Newman Government remains committed to dealing with fox predation at Mon Repos, and together we can contribute towards eradicating this environmental pest.”

Minister for National Parks Steve Dickson said seven applicants were being offered grants under the first round.

“Additionally, the susIMG_0488tained feral animal control programs already in place will gain tremendously from this investment and the Newman government will work closely with our partners to achieve a landscape-wide control program,” he said.

“The Labor Government failed our natural heritage, allowing widespread pest and weed problems to grow, but I am confident we will see a significant reduction in fox numbers in the target areas and an increase in surviving turtles as a result of this investment.”

Applications for funding under round two of the Nest to Ocean Turtle Protection program are now open. Submissions close 30 January 2015.