Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group supports nine people to undertake vocational training in rural pest management

Nine people from the Peel-Harvey catchment area have been sponsored to undertake a pest management course under a biennial program.

The Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group awarded $500 grants to the lucky recipients to help them take part in a Certificate III in Rural and Environmental Pest Management training course in Harvey, provided they commit to assisting the community with controlling feral animals.

Course participants learnt from presenters and observers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, and Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, alongside Evicom Australia, Leschenault Biosecurity Group, Water Corporation, WA Feral Pig Advisory Group and Feral Pig Action Group.

The group were required to already have experience working in or volunteering in the pest control field, with training taking place both onsite and during field visits.

PHBG feral animal program coordinator Megan Plant said one of this year’s course highlights was a guest presentation from a previous course participant.

“It was fantastic to hear the success they are having, and how they have improved and developed their feral animal control programs since completing the course,” she said.

Djilba Project Management’s Aaron Williams took part in this year’s week-long program and said he is “itching to get to work”.

Mr Williams praised lecturer Ben Maslen for his “practical, common-sense approach to dealing with some of the problems that can arise when managing pest animals.”

Those who are interested in participating in a future course are asked to contact feralanimals@phbg.org.