Published on Thursday, 5 June 2025 at 12:38:25 PM
The Shire of Dardanup has officially ditched the use of harmful second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) in favour of wildlife-friendly first-generation alternatives across its facilities — a move designed to better protect native species and pets.
Following feedback from concerned residents and in support of ongoing campaigns by BirdLife Australia, the Shire has transitioned to using first-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (FGARs) at key locations including the Library, Administration and Community Building, Eaton Recreation Centre, Eaton Foreshore toilets, Shire Depot, Dardanup Office and Dardanup Hall.
Shire CEO André Schönfeldt said the change reflects the Shire’s strong commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible pest control practices.
“We’ve listened to our community and acted to ensure our pest control measures align with our values,” Mr Schönfeldt said.
“SGARs may be effective at killing rodents, but they’re also deadly to the animals that eat those rodents – including our owls, ospreys, lizards, and even beloved pets. That’s simply not good enough.
“By switching to first-generation products, which biodegrade much faster and pose far less risk to native predators, we’re helping keep our wildlife safe while still managing pests effectively.”
Mr Schönfeldt said SGARs accumulate in the bodies of animals that consume poisoned rodents, often resulting in secondary poisoning and death — especially in birds of prey that are critical to natural rodent control. In contrast, FGARs are considered a safer alternative, as their faster breakdown reduces the likelihood of poisoning non-target species.
He said BirdLife Australia has long advocated against the use of SGARs, encouraging all levels of government to adopt safer baiting methods and help protect native bird populations.
“The Shire of Dardanup proudly stands alongside these efforts and supports the work of BirdLife Bunbury in its local conservation endeavours,” Mr Schönfeldt said.
“The transition involved coordinating multiple product changes across different service providers — an effort the Shire sees as a small but important step in protecting the region’s precious biodiversity.
This is about doing the right thing – for our environment, our wildlife, and our future. We’re proud to be leading by example.”
Birdlife Bunbury Convenor Diane Cavanagh congratulated the Shire for its proactive approach.
"It is wonderful to see the Shire of Dardanup implementing rodenticide control methods which protect local birdlife from lethal second generation rodenticides,” she said.
“Every initiative which helps stem the decline in local native birdlife helps sustain the precious biodiversity which surrounds us in WA's Southwest."
The Eaton Community Library recently hosted an informative session on rat baiting through its monthly free Planet Matters events. For more information, please check out the Library’s website at:
Click here for Library's website
For more information on safe rodent control and how you can help protect native wildlife, visit:
Click here for Birdlife Australia website
Caption: The Shire of Dardanup’s Coordinator of Environment and Waste Eliza-Jane Jacques (left)
and Library Officer Kate Maloney. The Shire has officially switched to wildlife-friendly rodent control,
ditching harmful second-generation poisons to help protect native species and pets.
Media contact: Tahnia Creedon, Communications Officer | tahnia.creedon@dardanup.wa.gov.au | 0436 942 509.
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