Published on Wednesday, 2 July 2025 at 11:47:14 AM

A motion led by the Shire of Mundaring calling for stronger national protections against harmful rodent poisons has been passed at the National General Assembly (NGA) of Local Government in Canberra last week.

Presented by Shire President Paige McNeil, the motion urged the Australian Government to restrict or eliminate the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs), which are known to kill native wildlife that consume poisoned rodents. The motion was originally brought to Council by Cr John Daw and unanimously supported at the April Ordinary Council Meeting.

The motion was shaped with input from the Shire’s Environmental Advisory Group, including a deputation from local environmental expert Associate Professor Rob Davis, who is a member of the group and a researcher on rodenticide impacts on wildlife with Edith Cowan University.

“This is an amazing step forward for wildlife conservation in Australia. This motion will serve to greatly increase public awareness of the impacts of these poisons on native wildlife and will send a strong message to federal and state governments that more regulation of SGARS is needed,” he said.

The case for national action is clear. SGARs have been scientifically proven to cause secondary poisoning in native species, particularly owls, which are highly vulnerable as they often prey on sick or dying rodents. The poisons remain active in the ecosystem for extended periods and are readily available for purchase across Australia.

President McNeil said she was pleased to see national support for the Shire’s motion.

“It was heartening to see this motion, developed through local collaboration and community input, supported at the national level,” she said. “It shows the value of bringing together lived experience, expert knowledge and Council leadership to advocate for meaningful change.”

The motion builds on the Shire of Mundaring’s local commitment to wildlife protection, including its 2023 resolution to become an “Owl Friendly” Shire. That resolution included a commitment to phase out SGAR use in Shire-managed facilities and raise awareness of the issue within the community.

With the motion now passed at the NGA, it will be taken forward by the Australian Local Government Association for federal advocacy.

Photo Credit: Simon Cherriman

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