Poison protest urged

By Melissa Meehan
A PROTESTOR against the use of a ‘super toxic’ pest control has been encouraged to form an opposition group against the poison.
The call came from a Shire of Yarra Ranges councillor after shire resident Melissa Donchi lobbied last week’s council meeting.
At the meeting she called on the community to band together against poison 1080 (sodium monofluoro-acetate).
Ms Donchi told councillors how she had seen a kangaroo die in front of her eyes from taking the poison.
“Earlier this month a kangaroo hopped up to my front window, frothed at the mouth and collapsed,” Ms Donchi said.
“The symptoms he presented matched 1080.”
She challenged its use as a means of controlling pests.
While Ms Donchi said she understood the need to control pests in farming areas, her concerns related to the “cruel and inhumane” ways in which other animals could die from the poison.
“I’m concerned for the impacts on non-target native animals, particularly kangaroos and wallabies, who suffer accidental or secondary poisoning,” Ms Donchi said.
“It takes just 50 grams of carrot bait to kill a kangaroo – the equivalent of one mouthful.”
Councillor Noel Cliff applauded Ms Donchi’s efforts to highlight the impact of the poison on wildlife within the shire.
He called for Ms Donchi and other young residents to form a group to fight against the use of 1080, noting that the council had no jurisdiction over the use of poison.
“I back her 100 per cent. The use of this poison is disgusting,” Cr Cliff said.
“I have heard so many stories of other people’s experiences with 1080 and it frightens me.”
He said it was important for farmers to find an alternative method of minimising pests on their properties.
“Living in the hills, we all live close to national parks,” Cr Cliff said.
“But we live in a time where this form of poison is too primitive – we are a clever society, I don’t believe there isn’t a better option.”
Last year the Victorian Government outsourced the sale of 1080 to private contractors, making it easier for individuals to gain access to the poison.