s
p
o
h
s
k
r
o
W
r
e
t
o
o
Sc
2018
FREE
10 FEB Kingsthorpe 1.30pm - 4.30pm
18 FEB Highfields 1pm - 4pm
10 MAR 8am - 11am
19 MAY Crows Nest
Toowoomba
Lake Annand
Westbrook 16 JUN Pittsworth 1.30pm - 4.30pm
8 APR
meet the TRC TEAM
JIM
O'SULLIVAN
Pest Management Officer
How long have you been working
with Council and why did you
choose to work with us?
I’ve been employed by Council since
late 2015, however I have worked
across various levels of government
throughout my career. I chose to work
with Toowoomba Regional Council due
to the variety of work the role offered
and the ever changing landscapes to
work within, from the rich black soil
flats of Millmerran to the rolling Kikuyu
hills in Yarraman.
Why did you choose
pest management?
Having grown up in the bush I have
a great link with the land and a
deep understanding of the issues
facing those who live there. Pest
Management is always evolving, with
new methodologies, products and trials
happening every day and I enjoy being
a part of this space.
What does a pest management
officer do on a day to day basis?
As an authorised officer for Council,
the core responsibility of my role is
private property inspection for restricted
or prohibited feral pest animals and
noxious weeds. This requires a lot
14
of consultation and negotiation with
landholders on how best to manage an
issue once it has been identified. I look
after the north of the region from James
street in Toowoomba out to Yarraman
and from Grapetree to Bowenville, so
a pretty big patch of dirt. Each day can
be very different, as I also deal with a
very wide variety of ratepayer requests
ranging from wild dog management,
to identifying any invasive weeds.
We work closely with Biosecurity
Queensland and have in numerous joint
initiatives each year that may include
seizure of restricted or prohibited plants
and animals!
What do you love most
about your job?
Interacting with people in our
region and sharing knowledge and
experiences are huge motivators
for me. I get to do this on a regular
basis by presenting at field days with
environmental and community groups. I
enjoy knowing that what I do each day
has an impact on people’s lives and
the environment. I also enjoy being out
amongst nature on a regular basis. It
really is quite humbling to witness some
of nature’s interactions.
1.30pm - 4.30pm
The Toowoomba Region has some of the best skate parks in the state, enticing the younger
generation to get outdoors, get healthy and get active.
If you’re interested in making friends and learning new skills from scooter professionals,
register for one of the free learn-to-scooter clinics that are being held across the region,
Westbrook Saturday 19th of May and Pittsworth Saturday 16th of June.
The series of workshops provide novice riders the opportunity to learn some great skills from
qualified scooter coaches in a safe and friendly environment.
All abilities and ages are welcome.
What is the future of pest
management?
Registrations are essential, to book your spot go to www.tr.qld.gov.au/events
This space is ever evolving with
technology. I think we will see a wider
acceptance and use of drones for
monitoring and recording special
data, a greater push toward intelligent
Biosecurity planning to reduce
weed, seed and disease spread
and an increase in the uses of smart
technology, like remote camera
monitoring via smart phones, remote
trapping and the like.
What do you love most
about the region?
The diverse landscapes, that it's self-
sufficient with just about everything
within arm’s reach and its proximity to
the coast or Brisbane for that getaway
if needed.
'We all have a part to play in keeping
a healthy environment free from
pests and diseases and together, we
can preserve the Toowoomba Region
and the Darling Downs for future
generations. It all starts with you…'
Photo: Jim O’Sullivan, Pest Management
Officer inspecting Groundsel Bush
(Baccharis halimifolia).
www.tr.qld.gov.au/bold
1.30pm - 4.30pm
l bold
For more information:
YouthConnectTRC
131 TRC
www.tr.qld.gov.au
Dog Registration Time
It’s time to update details and renew the registration of our furry
family members. We'll be sending notices out soon so please let
us know of any of the following changes before 7 May:
• Your dog has been de-sexed
• Your dog is deceased
• You have changed your address
• Any other changes to your dog’s registration
Having your pet registered, microchipped and wearing a collar
with identification helps us reunite missing pets with family.
You can update your dog’s details by contacting us on 131 872
and renewals can be paid online.
For new registrations you can complete this online or visit our
Customer Service Centre. For dogs less than 6 months old
please visit the nearest Customer Service Centre.
For more information on keeping animals in the Toowoomba
Region visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/animals