Protest against 1080 poison

Protest against 1080 poison

By Sam Wainwright

HOBART — Protesters from Jackey's Marsh in northern Tasmania dumped the stinking carcasses of about 20 poisoned bush animals on the steps of Parliament House here on October 24 to protest against the use of 1080 poison.

The poison is used by some farmers to protect grazing areas. Banned in all other states, 1080 causes painful death and has broader ecological implications.

Wallabies, possums and wombats as well as protected species like betongs and poteroos have been killed by carrot baits spiked with 1080. The poison travels up the food chain, threatening predator birds such as hawks and wedgetail eagles, now on the endangered list. The poison remains in animal bones for up to two years.

Fencing and ultrasonic scarers are practical alternatives to the use of 1080, but primary industry minister Robin Gray has ignored proposals for their implementation and his department subsidises the use of 1080. APPM also uses 1080 to protect its tree seedlings.

Information about the ongoing protest is available form Jenny Ward, phone 003 69 5275, or Deloraine Environment Centre, phone (003) 62 2713

From GLW issue 78