EPA INVESTIGATING SECOND POISONING OF BRUSH TURKEYS

NSW EPA

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is investigating the poisoning of around 10 native Brush Turkeys at Safety Beach near Coffs Harbour, the second such incident in just two years.

Laboratory testing of several dead birds collected from the area has found high concentrations of the pesticide chlorpyrifos, the same chemical detected when another group of Brush Turkeys was poisoned at Safety Beach in 2023. Chlorpyrifos is an agricultural pesticide used for insect control and is banned for domestic and urban use in NSW.

EPA Director of Regional Operations John Forcier said community information could be key to finding those responsible.

“We need the community’s help. If you’ve seen unusual pesticide activity, like spraying in an urban area or poor storage of pesticides, we encourage you to report it,” Mr Forcier said.

“We’re following up on several leads and thank everyone who has already come forward. We are hopeful that someone in the community could still have vital information to help us stop this happening again.

“Deliberate misuse of pesticides poses serious risks beyond harming wildlife. Pets and members of the public could also be at risk if exposed to some chemicals, so we take any suspected poisoning extremely seriously.”

The negligent use of pesticides in a manner that harms any non-target animal, or plant can attract penalties of up to $500,000 for an individual and $2,000,000 for a corporation.

The EPA advises members of the public not to touch or move any dead birds but to instead report their location to the EPA’s Environment Line on [email protected]

ISAAC CAREY | 0436 646 346

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