SYSTEMS, POLICY AND INFRASTRUCTURE FOR RODENT MANAGEMENT IN THE QUEENSLAND SUGAR INDUSTRY

THE Queensland sugar industry has recently implemented a comprehensive integrated pest management (IPM) system to minimise crop losses from two native rodent species, Rattus sordidus (canefield rat) and Melomys burtoni (climbing rat). These species inflicted approximately $25 M of damage in a major outbreak in the 1999–2000 seasons. Both of these rodents are listed as common wildlife under the schedules of the Queensland Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 1994. The IPM program is based on understanding the ecology and biology of each species. It incorporates a largescale monitoring program aimed at providing early warning of imminent rodent buildup to avert major outbreaks. The industry has also developed a memorandum of understanding with the Queensland State Government, which delivers on the industry’s pest management needs, while providing an improved system of accountability for the taking of two of Queensland’s native wildlife species. The consensus reached between the cooperating parties (The Bureau of Sugar Experiment Stations, CANEGROWERS, regionally-based Cane Productivity Services, and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service) provides a blueprint for other industries in how effective, cooperative outcomes can be negotiated between rural industry and environmental interests.