A massive strike on destructive cane toad populations is underway in the Northern Rivers region.

After the worst bushfires in history tore through Northeast NSW and Southeast QLD two years ago, natural resource managers have secured over $160,000 of Landcare funding to put an end to the perky toads.

Landcare's Kelly McRae said the number of these invasive creatures, whose presence drastically impact the survival of native species from goannas and snakes to insects, turtles, and small carnivorous marsupials, has boomed in the wake of the Black Summer fires and extreme rain and flood events.

“Recent studies have shown a significant increase in cane toad numbers and movement throughout these regions. The fires removed vegetation barriers making movement easy and swift, with the following wet seasons being perfect for breeding,” she said.

Supported by the Landcare Led Bushfire Recovery Grants, Clarence Landcare and Watergum will join forces to educate and prepare communities across the regions for The Great Cane Toad Bust. Emily Vincent, Program Manager at Watergum, expanded on the project.

“With support from the Landcare Led Bushfire Recovery Grants, this project aims to raise awareness of the negative impacts of cane toads, encourage community members to become active cane toad controllers and create a national network of organisations committed to cane toad control efforts. With a series of preceding events leading up to a week-long competition, The Great Cane Toad Bust in January, the national cane toad bust will be carried out by individuals and groups with results collated online for all to see.”

Organisers will gather groups of volunteers equipped with gloves, head torches, and buckets, and lead toad busting events in communities in Northeast NSW, Southeast QLD, and beyond.

“This event builds on Watergum’s national cane toad control program, and it’s exciting to be partnering with them on a project with such a broad reach,” said Kelly.

“While it may be an unusual activity for those new to cane toad control, make no mistake, toad busting is a lot of fun. It’s a great opportunity to get out at night with your family and friends and search for the nocturnal native wildlife you are trying to protect. We’re looking forward to getting the community involved and giving our native species the best chance of recovery post fires.” 

The Australian Government funded $14 million Landcare Led Bushfire Recovery Grants are supporting projects in regions impacted by the Black Summer bushfires of 2019–20.