Hon Steve Martin questions the Minister for the Environment regarding the state government's support for cane toad containment strategies in the Pilbara, specifically concerning upgrades to pastoral dams and implementation of dehydration strategies. The Minister's response outlines existing support for a toad containment zone proposal and the implementation of the state cane toad strategy.

AnsweredQoN 1143Legislative Council
Asked
20 November 2025
Portfolio
the Environment

QuestionView source ↗

Cane toads—Containment strategy
1143. Hon Steve Martin to
the Minister for the Environment:
I refer to a WAtoday article by Holly Thomspon dated 10
November about predictions that without containment efforts, cane toads could
infest up to 75% of the Pilbara over the next 30 years.
(1) What support is being provided by the state government
to upgrade the 150 pastoral dams between Broome and Port Hedland to concrete
tanks and troughs to stop the toads from accessing them?
(2) What is the planned completion date for the
upgrade of all 150 locations?
(3) What other steps are being taken by the state government
to implement the discussed dehydration strategy?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question, which was submitted on 11
November.
(1)–(3) In 2024, the state government
provided support to the toad containment zone proposal, which is exploring
irrigation infrastructure upgrades. The government continues to monitor
progress of the toad containment zone proposal. The Department of Biodiversity,
Conservation and Attractions focuses on implementing the state cane toad
strategy, which includes collaboration with traditional owners and researchers
to deliver education, mitigation strategies and surveillance for frontline
mapping to inform rates of spread.

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